Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast

Brink Fidler & Tom Herring
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

"Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow" was inspired by frequent discussions between Brink Fidler, President of Defend Systems, and Tom Herring, Owner of Herring Technology, both driven by their commitment to educating clients on enhancing safety and security. Defend Systems specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter response training, while Herring Technology focuses on security solutions like access control, surveillance, alarms, and more. This podcast dives deep into all things safety and security—whether at home, work, church, or in public spaces. Our diverse guests come from a wide range of backgrounds, including school security experts, survivors of active shooter incidents, rescue task force managers, risk management professionals, technology specialists, federal agents, law enforcement experts, K9 trainers, and many more.

  1. MAR 17

    069 - Foundations of Church Security Teams (Part 1)

    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 take the next step. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll dive into how to train a team effectively. 1:03 – Introduction to the series: developing, recruiting, training, and maintaining a church safety team with Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems 5:50 – Why pastors should not lead safety team development and how it can polarize a congregation 7:44 – A high-level approach: prioritize the right 5 people over a large, uncommitted team 9:36 – The #1 rule: have a team 11:00 – What makes a good team member? 11:55 – The Security Operations Center (SOC): why your camera operator plays a critical role 16:00 – The challenge of multiple entry points: managing doors effectively 20:15 – Why gamers often make excellent SOC operators 21:55 – The importance of radio training and clear communication 23:40 – Key traits to look for: humility, communication, and a willingness to train 26:30 – Identifying and leveraging people who can augment your team 27:00 – Limited training time: why efficiency and clear SOPs are critical 30:47 – Reference: West Freeway Church of Christ shooting and lack of coordination 32:15 – Resource highlight: Faith-Based Security Network 35:20 – Start with private recruiting before making public announcements 38:45 – Small vs. large churches: same principles, different execution 40:00 – Local collaboration and how we can connect you with resources - email info@tipstacticstools.com  Coming Next: Part 2 – How to train a church security team

    44 min

  2. FEB 24

    068 - Empowered, Not Afraid: A Civilian Perspective on Active Shooter Training

    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 business leader, facilities manager, or everyday civilian wondering whether this training is worth the time, this episode offers a firsthand look at what it actually feels like to go through it, and why Mary says there's no reason not to equip people with knowledge that could save a life. 3:20 — Why this episode exists: hearing from an everyday civilian about empowerment, not fear 4:16 — Why Mary advocated to bring active shooter response training to NASBA 7:20 — Who initiates security training and why it's now viewed like disaster preparedness 12:50 — Mary's view on the time commitment 15:10 — Considering the risk of employees regularly exposed to public environments 16:39 — You never know the final trigger in a person in crisis 18:00 — Three confirmed life-saves from rapid response medical training 19:15 — No one wants to face this, but it's necessary 20:14 — Why Mary calls the training empowering, not fear-based 26:00 — Emotional investment without causing trauma 31:14 — Why laws and codes haven't caught up 32:59 — Encouraging listeners to contact elected representatives 34:49 — No reason not to empower people with life-saving knowledge 37:19 — Perishable skills and training your primitive brain 38:38 — Addressing prior trauma and offering pre-conversations with employees 41:42 — Those who trained may have to care for those who didn't 43:10 — A skillset that lasts a lifetime

    47 min

  3. JAN 20

    067 - Inside the Investigations That Close the Case

    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 start at the Metro Nashville Police Academy 3:56 Olivia's role overseeing investigative work at Covert Results 5:12 Why people always ask about the "craziest" PI stories 8:20 Movie surveillance vs. real-life surveillance 10:53 A case Covert Results is especially proud of 11:35 Serving a lawsuit tied to cryptocurrency fraud involving George Jones' widow 14:30 Working with police to stop the suspect fleeing the country 17:20 A successful example of PIs and law enforcement working together 21:30 The realities of surveillance: no bathrooms, long hours, full gas tanks 26:00 More details on the George Jones' widow fraud case 27:20 Remembering Nancy Jones and her humility 30:49 The Smokin Thighs murder case 36:18 Unusual cases, including stolen pets 36:53 Child custody case involving drug activity and surveillance 41:37 Bobby's most memorable missing persons case 44:05  A cyberstalking investigation 46:20 Learn more at www.covertresults.com

    48 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    066 - Raising the Bar in Private Security

    Bobby Young, Founder of Covert Results, 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 Nashville's largest cocaine seizure 5:08 Founding Covert Results with his mother-in-law; now in year nine 10:20 Competing to rank #1 on Google for "top private investigators in Nashville" 13:08 Why real protection is more than "a person with a gun" 18:45 Overview of Covert Results' services: Event, school, church, executive, and building security (no bar security) 19:10 Why unarmed security often falls short 21:50 "If I'm signing us up for something, I'm willing to do it myself." 24:00 A story from a large event where Bobby's team acted fast 27:30 Relentlessness as a core value 29:27 Rapid growth in school security 31:35 High standards for guards: training beyond minimum qualifications 37:00 New Tennessee law requiring active shooter training for armed guards in schools and churches 39:15 Recruiting professionals committed to high standards 41:30 Contact Bobby: contact@covertresults.com

    44 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    065 - 120 Marathons, One Mission: Keep Kids Safe Online

    In this episode, we sit down with Ben Tracy, founder of Safe Social Network, a platform dedicated to helping people navigate life in the digital age. He's also the creator of Haven, 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 their names and stories on the back of an RV. We discuss location sharing, cyberbullying, online predators, the emotional toll of exclusion, fentanyl dealers on social media, and why the future demands a new level of courage from parents. Learn more about Ben at safesocialnetwork.com and usehavensafety.com. 1:55 Ben's work: online safety, digital citizenship, and responsible social media use 3:27 Haven: a platform for parents 7:20 Location sharing on Snapchat: physical and mental health risks. 9:09 Ben's first job, getting fired, and starting Safe Social Network 11:34 Kids asking for help with online predators, cyberbullying, and self-esteem issues 13:53 Roblox dangers 15:54 Ben's run across the U.S., speaking about online safety and meeting parents of kids lost to online dangers 17:23 Children's names on RV 20:59 A marathon every day, logistics, and support 21:50 Only ~300 people have done this run across the U.S. 29:07 Meeting dad Chris Diddier, fentanyl awareness, and the finish line of the run 34:00 "It's as easy for a teenager to get fentanyl on social media as it is to order a pizza." 34:40 Top 3 takeaways 40:05 "They're not adults because we give them an adult tool." 45:30 Society's responsibility to victims 46:45 Learn more about Ben: safesocialnetwork.com, usehavensafety.com (for parents), @benjtracy

    48 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    064 - Hardening the Perimeter: Expert Insights

    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 high-risk military installations, turn to Brent for protection. Brent shares stories from Quantico, King's Bay Submarine Base, projects in Barbados and Madagascar, and the practical realities behind securing busy areas like Broadway in Nashville. A must-listen for anyone interested in physical security and high-risk infrastructure.   2:40 — Brent's background and his companies: Security Solutions International, LLC; Titan Gate & Fence Company; and Nashville Commercial Fence. 5:05 — What hydraulic bollards are and how they protect storefronts and buildings. 7:05 — Explanation of wedge barriers: steel plates mounted in asphalt that rise to a 45-degree angle 7:45 — Why military bases and other facilities choose non-lethal wedge barriers to reduce liability. 8:40 — Understanding barrier ratings and how speed factors into performance. 9:55 — The types of organizations that hire Brent most often. 10:20 — Adam McIntyre, Director of Training at Defend Systems, shares how the military protects bases and embassies. 20:45 — Discussion about Broadway in Nashville and what Brent recommends for events 22:08 — The January 1 New Orleans incident and what protective measures could have been in place. 23:50 — The cost comparison conversation and the question, "What's a life worth?" 26:20 — Brent's biggest project: Quantico, a year-long installation with extensive fencing. 26:58 — Brent's most interesting project: King's Bay submarine base, with three layers of fencing and unique requirements. 28:56 — International project in Barbados securing a prison 30:40 — Brent's reputation as a trusted expert in the field and his contact information: brentterry830@gmail.com

    33 min

  7. 11/11/2025

    063 - How ZeroEyes Uses AI to Save Lives

    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, preparedness, and how collaboration across the industry can save lives. 02:20 – Dustin shares his background as a Navy SEAL and how ZeroEyes began. The founding question: Can existing cameras detect visible guns and give security teams real-time awareness to minimize harm? 06:20 – How ZeroEyes combines software with a managed human service 07:20 – The critical human factor: real people verifying every alert 10:15 – Why ZeroEyes invests heavily in its operations center to continually improve accuracy 18:00 – Adam explains how this software could assist Special Operators overseas 23:15  – Customer expectations: What do organizations want from AI gun detection? 25:20 – Educating customers: managing expectations and understanding limitations 28:55 – Mitigation vs. prevention 31:05 – ZeroEyes success criteria: 1) Responding quickly to an event, and 2) Tracking the situation as it unfolds 36:00 – "Everyone's got a plan until they've been punched in the face." How ZeroEyes helps teams triage and act fast. 38:15 – ZeroEyes economies of scale model 40:33 – Three arrests last weekend highlight the success of the product 44:50 – The Gun Violence Database: an educational resource on the ZeroEyes website  45:45 – "A rising tide raises all ships." Dustin's call for collaboration within the safety and security industry.

    49 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    062 - Answering the Call: An Officer's Response to an Active Shooter

    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 – Introducing Officer Steven Meador 4:00 – Early career First Shooting of His Career 6:10 – First active shooter response in law enforcement 20:00 – Shots fired directly at Meador 22:45 – Training and teamwork—how officers came together under pressure 23:20 – The importance of standards and preparation in crisis  The 2015 Chattanooga Military Attack 26:30 – Hearing the call come over the radio 30:00 – Protective gear limitations and risk 31:30 – Encountering the first victims on scene 32:45 – Searching for potential car bombs and additional shooters 35:15 – Realizing four Marines had been killed 35:25 – Confusion over the suspect's vest—possible explosives 37:15 – Processing the day alongside fellow officer Sean O'Brien 38:00 – Brotherhood amidst danger The 2023 Covenant School Shooting 45:15 – Recognizing the call wasn't another false alarm 47:25 – Calling his wife and father before heading to the scene 53:00 – Reconciling cognitive dissonance of children's backpacks and books amidst violence Aftermath and Advice 1:03:50 – Reflections as a father—walking past his daughter's room that night 1:06:53 – The unseen aftermath of response work 1:09:20 – Advice for those facing trauma 1:11:00 – Finding someone you trust—both a professional and a friend who's been through it too

    1h 18m
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6 Ratings

About

"Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow" was inspired by frequent discussions between Brink Fidler, President of Defend Systems, and Tom Herring, Owner of Herring Technology, both driven by their commitment to educating clients on enhancing safety and security. Defend Systems specializes in physical security consulting and active shooter response training, while Herring Technology focuses on security solutions like access control, surveillance, alarms, and more. This podcast dives deep into all things safety and security—whether at home, work, church, or in public spaces. Our diverse guests come from a wide range of backgrounds, including school security experts, survivors of active shooter incidents, rescue task force managers, risk management professionals, technology specialists, federal agents, law enforcement experts, K9 trainers, and many more.

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