Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast
"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.
Episodes
Bart Holzer, cyber expert and founder of Overt Channel, shares his journey from FBI intern to tackling high-profile cybercrime cases. He recounts early days investigating online criminals, cases like Top 10 fugitive Charles Cobb and serial killer Maury Travis, and how the Patriot Act reshaped the landscape for cybersecurity experts.
Bart also breaks down what you should do if you become a victim of cybercr...
In this episode, we explore CEIA’s OPENGATE® system, sharing insights from hands-on testing. Unlike traditional metal detectors, OPENGATE® is wireless, portable, weather-resistant, and managed through a mobile app, making it faster to deploy and easier to use in dynamic school and event environments. Guest Matt Samels from CEIA USA breaks down what sets this system apart, and Tom highlights Herring Technology’s experience field-tes...
Craig Parker, Head of Supply Chain Security at GEODIS, oversees safety across a global logistics network. In this episode, he shares the real-world challenges of securing both people and products, from workplace violence and domestic threats to theft and brand protection. Craig unpacks why security is often invisible until the moment it matters most and how meaningful change usually follows tragedy. Whether you're in c...
In this powerful episode, Chief Sean O’Brien of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department shares his remarkable journey through decades in law enforcement, including an account of the July 16, 2015 terrorist attack in Chattanooga. From his first officer-involved shooting in 1994 to leading K9 units, interdiction operations, and active shooter response training, Sean opens up about the moments that te...
In 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 in...
In this episode, we dive into the risks of oversharing on social media while traveling and how it can make you a target for burglars. From real stories about alarm calls and serial burglars to why most break-ins happen during the day, Brink and Tom share practical safety tips to protect your home and yourself. Learn what to pack for safer vacations, how to check crime maps before you go, and why reviewing crime data be...
Tom and Brink break down the April 17 Florida State University shooting—an open campus event that exposes tough challenges in prevention and response. One heartbreaking detail: a student who survived this shooting also lived through the 2018 shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School. They also unpack a disturbing video of a bystander filming a wounded victim and walking away, raising serious questions about pub...
In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Jeff Mathes of the Metro Nashville Police Department—one of the first officers on the scene at The Covenant School on March 27, 2023. Jeff walks us through the sights, sounds, and split-second decisions of that day. He speaks candidly about what it means to be a leader in a crisis—and healing through accepting that there was nothing he could have changed about his actions that...
On March 27, 2023, our guest was a teacher at The Covenant School in Nashville—a place she had poured her heart into. In this episode, our guest recounts the moments before, during, and after the tragedy that unfolded.
She walks us through her second-by-second decision making process as she decides the best way to help the others in the building and also get herself out safely. She fled into the woods wit...
On March 27, 2023, Rachel Sanderson walked onto The Covenant School campus for her first day as a substitute teacher there. It was a beautiful morning—calm, full of worship, and seemingly ordinary. Within hours, everything changed.
In this conversation, Rachel recounts what happened that day—from the moment the fire alarm went off to the terrifying minutes spent locked inside a classroom with students. Wit...
In this episode, we sit down with Abby McLean, a Covenant School parent on March 27, 2023, as she recounts the day of the shooting and the painful journey that followed. From the moment she received the first call to the agonizing time spent searching for her children, Abby shares the raw emotions, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming grief that forever changed her family and community.
Through her stor...
On March 27, 2023, Katherine Koonce, Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, and Evelyn Dieckhaus lost their lives to a shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN.
The impact extends beyond the victims, affecting their families, staff, students, first responders, and the community. This series seeks to amplify their voices. Through conversations with people in this community, we explore lessons in crisis respo...
In this episode, we are honored to welcome Detective Michael Collazo as he shares his journey—from his early years and decision to join the Marine Corps to his path in law enforcement and the day that made his name known across the nation: March 27, 2023. Along the way, he and Brink, a former Nashville police officer, swap stories, share laughs, and reflect on the unique experiences that come with wearing the badge.
<...In this powerful episode, Brink Fidler and Tom Herring sit down with Tracey Mendenhall, VP of Defend Systems, to discuss the critical importance of active violence response training across various sectors.
Timed Highlights:
[0:01:45] - The importance of preparation and prevention in safety training
[0:07:11] - Tracey's passion for empowering civilians through training
[0:17:01] - Why teachers are the mo...
In this special episode, we break down the shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville and discuss steps that must be taken to protect our schools and prevent future tragedies. We discuss the warning signs, social media threats, security measures like metal detectors and AI software, and the critical role of training and preparation. As former teachers, law enforcement, and military personnel, we use our insights to c...
In this episode, Brink and Tom are joined by Adam McIntyre, a Retired U.S. Army Green Beret, for an eye-opening discussion on the critical role of mindset and preparation in today’s increasingly unpredictable world. Together, they explore essential safety and security practices to keep in mind wherever you go, while Adam shares unique insights into the mindset of volatile foreign adversaries and the threats they pose t...
We’re back! In this episode of Tips, Tactics, and Tools, Brink and Tom sit down with a former private school risk manager, Gloria Maas, to explore the critical role of proactive strategies in mitigating risk. Learn why playing defense isn’t enough, how to make your tech work smarter, and why a risk register could be your new best friend. From avoiding costly losses to making sure everyone knows how to pull the right fo...
In this special episode, we break down the Uvalde shooting and discuss future effective mitigation strategies to protect our schools.
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Brink and Tom are back at it kicking off 2022 with new episodes! It’s been awhile since we last were on and there have been quite a few changes in our culture.
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...
The battle against business closures and economic shutdowns has been hard fought in 2020.
In Michigan, they have been the Fort Sumter of opening salvos around the country when it comes to a Governor overstepping their bounds.
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