The Security Equation With Dan Donovan

Dan Donovan
  • 5.0 (38)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Security Equation with Dan Donovan explores what it truly takes to protect people, places, and peace of mind. Hosted by Dan Donovan, Founder and Managing Partner of Stratoscope Holdings, the show pulls back the curtain on how safety is engineered in event security. Each episode blends expert insight and real-world experience to reveal how today’s leaders balance access, innovation, and protection in an unpredictable world.

  1. Jun 29

    Why He Walked Away From Fyre Festival: Stephen Staats on Event Security & Leadership Decision

    In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan sits down with Stephen Staats, better known as "Old Man Liver," a 30-year veteran in the live events industry who has built a business empire from BreastFest charity events to large-scale festivals attracting 8,000+ attendees. Stephen's journey into events was accidental—he started as a musician in Los Angeles, eventually becoming the organizer for his band and then launching BreastFest, a breast cancer benefit that gained national attention in 1999. Since then, he's built Butter Popcorn Productions and expanded into multiple events including Fallout Fan Celebrations, Wasteland Jamboree, Nevada Blues Festival, and other large-scale gatherings. But Stephen's story extends far beyond entertainment. He's also the owner of the Pioneer Saloon in Good Springs, Nevada—a 113-year-old venue operating in a complex legal and security landscape where open carry is allowed and guests can legally drink with firearms. The conversation explores what most event organizers don't talk about: the real cost of scaling. When Stephen's Fallout Fan Celebration grew from hundreds to 8,000+ attendees, the complexity exploded. Suddenly he wasn't just coordinating with venue staff—he was coordinating Metro Police Department, private security, Amazon corporate security (for celebrity guests), medical personnel, and navigating Nevada's permitting requirements for 5,000+ person events. Dan and Stephen dive into: The evolution of event security from the 1990s to today (spoiler: weapons and modern threats changed everything)Scaling events without cutting corners: the true cost of buses, permits, medical staff, and security coordinationWhen you have to say no: His negotiation with Billy McFarland to buy the Fire Festival brand, and the red flags that made him walk awayDue diligence and legal complexity: Why a poorly written contract and trademark uncertainty were deal-breakersDe-escalation over confrontation: Why he doesn't carry a gun to "counter" guns, and how small-town self-regulation worksFirst responder mentality: Why all his managers are CPR certified and trained as emergency respondersSafety first, profit second: How to build sustainable events without compromising on people's safetyLeadership decisions: The difference between ambition and recklessness in event planningStephen's story is particularly relevant to The Security Equation audience. When Billy McFarland tried to recruit him to resurrect Fyre Festival, Stephen spent six weeks in negotiations before red flags emerged: a poorly written contract (appearing ChatGPT-generated), trademark ownership issues Billy couldn't explain, misunderstanding of basic business costs (like attorney fees), and a pattern of impatience and disrespect when questioned. Stephen walked away, telling McFarland he'd "rather do a music festival from scratch" because "his soul hasn't changed." This is a masterclass in knowing when to walk away—and why safety-first event planning is better business long-term than chasing quick wins or attaching yourself to a toxic brand. Essential listening for event organizers, security professionals, venue operators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone scaling operations in high-stakes environments. Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  2. Jun 9

    From Super Bowl to Perimeter Security: Anna Reahl on Building Presidential-Level Event Protection

    In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan sits down with Anna Reahl, founder and CEO of Arcus Group, a company specializing in perimeter security and protective infrastructure for high-profile events, government functions, and major gatherings. Anna's journey into security is unconventional. She started in live event production, working on the Super Bowl (Jacksonville 39), touring with bands worldwide, and managing large-scale events. But a transformative experience at an NSSE (National Special Security Event) in 2012 changed her perspective on risk entirely. She realized that the same organizational skills that made her successful in event logistics could be applied to security operations—and that security professionals needed to think like event planners: operational design from inception to execution. Through Arcus Group, Anna pioneered solutions that major events now depend on: anti-scale fencing designed to stop vehicles and mitigate ballistic threats, perimeter infrastructure that protects attendees without compromising the guest experience, and coordination protocols that integrate with law enforcement and government agencies. She's provided perimeter security for presidential-level events, worked alongside federal agencies including Secret Service and DHS, and developed the frameworks that keep thousands of people safe at major gatherings. Her background in event production gives her a unique advantage: she understands that security can't exist in a vacuum—it has to enhance, not detract from, the experience attendees came for. In this conversation, Dan and Anna discuss: Her origin story from fashion dreams to federal event securityWhat changed after her first NSSE experienceThe technology behind anti-scale fencing (and why it matters)How to coordinate security across multiple agencies and vendorsBeing a female founder in a male-dominated security industryHer take on the recent White House Correspondents Dinner incidentWhy operational design is the future of event securityWhat keeps her up at night about event safety todayThe evolution of perimeter security and what's coming nextAnna also shares a philosophy that resonates beyond security: we've lost the art of humanity in this country, and that loss is directly reflected in the threats we're seeing at large gatherings. Essential listening for event organizers, security professionals, corporate security leaders, government agencies, and anyone responsible for protecting large groups of people. Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  3. May 26

    The Guard Company That Refuses to Compete on Price: Why Dan Wachtler Built Vigilis

    Dan Wachtler is an accomplished entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience building companies at the intersection of physical security, financial crime compliance, and now artificial intelligence. He's the founder and CEO of Vigilis—a groundbreaking AI operating system designed to elevate security professionals, not replace them. His journey into security started accidentally in Spanish class at the University of Arizona when he met Tom Keating, owner of American Protective Services (30,000 employees). Keating recruited him as a sales officer in 1994, and Wachtler spent the next decade building security operations. He later became CEO of IPSA International—a global risk advisory firm specializing in financial crimes, anti-money laundering, and anti-corruption work with major banks, Caribbean governments, and Fortune 500 companies. But Wachtler saw a critical gap in the physical security industry: guard companies competing on price rather than capability, leading to a race to the bottom where security quality suffered. After a high-profile incident where one of his protection professionals was seriously injured in live fire training, and witnessing the real consequences of poor security outcomes, he decided to pivot. Now with Vigilis, Wachtler is building an AI-powered operating system that gives security guards and security companies the tools to deliver better outcomes at reduced operational cost—without the race to the bottom on pricing. Learn more:www.vigilisai.com Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  4. May 11

    How Dr. Andrew Bazos Built CrowdRx and Revolutionized Event Medicine

    In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan sits down with Dr. Andrew Bazos, founder of CrowdRx and a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who accidentally revolutionized event medicine in America. Dr. Bazos holds degrees from Harvard and Yale School of Medicine, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Columbia-Presbyterian, and specializes in sports medicine. But his impact extends far beyond the operating room. In 1989, as a medical intern earning less than minimum wage, he treated a Walt Disney employee injured during a fireworks show at Yankee Stadium. That moment led to a relationship with Yankees operations legend Bill Squires and eventually to founding CrowdRx—now the nation's largest physician-owned event medical services company. For over 30 years, Dr. Bazos has provided medical coverage at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden since 1991, the US Open Tennis Championships since 2011, Radio City Music Hall, Chase Center, and major EDM festivals across the country. CrowdRx has covered over 15,000 events and pioneered the integration of strategic medical planning into large-scale live events. The conversation explores the critical gap Dr. Bazos identified: traditional event medicine was reactive, not strategic. A high-profile cardiac event with slow response time made him realize events needed positioned medical teams, defibrillator protocols, sophisticated communications systems, and seamless integration with security and venue operations. The advent of smartphones filming from 17 angles forced the industry to professionalize—if security can read what book someone's holding in section 315, medical teams need to be equally present and prepared. Dan and Dr. Bazos dive into why security and medical teams must operate as one unified system, using the baseball analogy: security is the center fielder, medical is the right fielder—when the ball's hit in the gap, you need a plan or the patient suffers. They discuss response time metrics, the challenges of cross-training between disciplines, ego management in high-stakes environments, employee health on-site, and why unannounced scenario drills at Yankee Stadium keep teams sharp. Dr. Bazos also shares insights on terrorism as the most underestimated risk factor at large gatherings, why communication defines a well-run event, and the industry change he'd make tomorrow: better medical-legal-security integration. Essential listening for security professionals, event organizers, venue operators, and anyone responsible for protecting people in complex, high-density environments. Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  5. Apr 27

    From Firefighter to Casino Security: Mark West on Protecting 20 MGM Properties

    In this episode, Dan Donovan talks with Mark West from MGM Resorts International. Mark's career path is anything but typical—computer science degree, then firefighter (he was actually Captain 51!), and now he oversees security for 20 MGM properties. So how does firefighting prepare you for casino security? Turns out, a lot. Mark shares the "size up" principle from fire service: assess the entire situation from all angles before you jump in. Don't just run into the middle of it. He also talks about his role evaluating security technology for MGM. With his tech background, Mark helps his team figure out what's actually ready for deployment versus what just looks really cool at trade shows like ISC West. The conversation gets into the nuts and bolts of managing security for massive events—F1 Las Vegas, the Super Bowl, New Year's Eve across multiple properties simultaneously. Mark explains how AI is changing operations centers by filtering critical incidents from hundreds of camera feeds so operators aren't overwhelmed. They discuss why security can't be an afterthought. Mark uses a great analogy: you wouldn't plan a 500-person dinner and decide the day before that you need 50 waiters. So why do people treat security that way? And throughout the conversation, Mark emphasizes one principle from his firefighting days that applies everywhere: make sure you're safe first. Because if you get hurt, you can't help anyone else. You become the rescue. FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN  Follow Dan Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddonovan50/ Follow Stratoscope (Event Security Strategy): https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratoscope/ Follow Ingressotek (Event Security Weapons Detection: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingressotek/ Follow Stratos K9 (Event Security Detection Dogs):https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-k9/ Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  6. Apr 13

    Be Active in Your Own Rescue: Kim Stone on Leading World-Class Venues and the Washington Spirit

    In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Kim Stone, CEO of the Washington Spirit and a veteran of nearly three decades running world-class venues including American Airlines Arena (Miami Heat), Chase Center (Golden State Warriors), and UBS Arena in New York. Kim's journey started by accident when the Miami Heat president offered her the GM role despite having no facilities background: "I'm not hiring you to change the light bulbs, I'm hiring you for your leadership." What followed was a three-year bootcamp learning everything from corporate meetings to sold-out arena shows and NBA Finals. The conversation explores what it takes to operate multi-purpose venues in America's most competitive markets. Kim breaks down the business challenges most fans never see—competing against MSG's dominance in New York, opening Chase Center in downtown San Francisco without parking to offer when Oracle Arena gave it away for free, and creating differentiation through service excellence rather than just price. She shares the leadership philosophy that's defined her career, including "be active in your own rescue"—a mantra from Warriors co-owner Peter Guber that became central to Chase Center's opening. Kim discusses why operations teams are the most underrated part of event management, what details fans notice immediately (hint: restrooms), and why premium spaces might be overrated. Now as CEO of the Washington Spirit, Kim has returned to the team environment she loves. The Spirit is leading the league in attendance, sold out their 19,000-person season opener, and is part of changing how people view women's sports. She also shares what it's like operating in Washington, DC during a period of heightened security awareness. Whether you're in event operations, security management, or sports business, Kim offers hard-won wisdom from someone who's operated at the highest level: "Hire people who are smarter than you and then get out of the way and support them." FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN  Follow Dan Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddonovan50/ Follow Stratoscope (Event Security Strategy): https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratoscope/ Follow Ingressotek (Event Security Weapons Detection: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingressotek/ Follow Stratos K9 (Event Security Detection Dogs):https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-k9/ Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  7. Mar 30

    The Future of Cybersecurity: Navigating Deepfakes and AI Threats with James McQuiggan

    In this insightful interview, cybersecurity expert James McQuiggan shares his journey into the world of digital security, discusses the top cyber threats faced by individuals and organizations, and explores the evolving landscape of AI-driven deepfakes and synthetic media. Learn practical tips to protect yourself from cyber scams, understand the importance of bridging physical and cyber security, and stay ahead of emerging digital threats. Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

  8. Mar 16

    Dubai's Security Reality: Fortune 500 Protection & Diplomatic Security Amid Middle East Tensions

    ​​In this timely episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Lucien Chetty, CEO of Skye Global and a 34-year security veteran, about executive protection and corporate security operations across the Middle East during a period of heightened regional instability. With Skye Global operating in 60 countries and providing protection for Fortune 500 executives, diplomats, and high-net-worth individuals throughout the Gulf region, Lucien offers unique insight into the current security landscape. He shares how his company evolved from discovering Dubai's executive protection market was staffed by unqualified nightclub bouncers to building elite teams—including Serbian Special Forces operators—that now secure major events like the NBA's first global games in Abu Dhabi and provide diplomatic security for foreign ministries. Lucien's perspective is informed by extreme experience: 400+ shooting incidents during a "decade of madness" policing South Africa's violent crime epidemic (65 vehicle hijackings daily), corporate security leadership at major banks, and data center security roles at Oracle and Equinix managing operations across the Middle East and Africa. The conversation explores practical security considerations for organizations operating in the Gulf: What does proper executive protection look like in unregulated markets? How do you maintain international standards when there's no governing oversight? What threat assessment frameworks work in regions with low everyday crime but high geopolitical risk? How should Fortune 500 companies approach security in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE during times of regional tension? Lucien also discusses his latest venture, SecureCab—an app-based secure transportation platform launching in South Africa with the same rigorous vetting and training standards he applies to diplomatic protection. After 18 months of development, the platform achieved 10,000 downloads in its first week, with plans to scale across Africa and eventually the US. This is essential listening for corporate security leaders, risk managers, executives with Middle East operations, and anyone responsible for protecting personnel and assets in high-stakes international environments. FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN  Follow Dan Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddonovan50/ Follow Stratoscope (Event Security Strategy): https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratoscope/ Follow Ingressotek (Event Security Weapons Detection: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ingressotek/ Follow Stratos K9 (Event Security Detection Dogs):https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratos-k9/ Would you be interested in learning more about Stratoscope? Check out our website: https://stratoscope.com/

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The Security Equation with Dan Donovan explores what it truly takes to protect people, places, and peace of mind. Hosted by Dan Donovan, Founder and Managing Partner of Stratoscope Holdings, the show pulls back the curtain on how safety is engineered in event security. Each episode blends expert insight and real-world experience to reveal how today’s leaders balance access, innovation, and protection in an unpredictable world.

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