Conversations in Close Protection

Hosted by Chuck Randolph & Chris Story

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Sep 2025

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About the show

Conversations In Close Protection is a podcast about the Executive/Close Protection industry. We use the podcast to enhance discussions about the industry and promote values, information and education within the Close Protection Community and try to have fun doing it!

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60 recent

September 28, 2025Episode 550 min

Shop Talk: September 2025

In this episode team CiCP digs into the practical lessons from recent politically-motivated attacks and what they mean for protectors, event planners, and organizations. Chuck and Chris cover defense-in-depth at open-air events, the limits of crowd control, and why protective intelligence and thorough advance work (sector sketches, Google Earth, rehearsals) are now mission-critical. Chuck and Chris also talk communications — how to build a business case for security spend — and the real operational tradeoffs teams face when budgets are tight. Join CiCP as they analyze the risks, challenges, and strategies that security professionals must navigate to stay ahead in an increasingly volatile world. Connect with the team at protectiontalk@outlook.com

September 10, 2025Episode 42 hr 4 min

Resilience: Robin Stearns and & the Changing Threat Landscape

In this episode, we talk with Robin Stearns, CEO and Founder of Pacific Resilience Group, to explore what resilience means in today's environment of heightened executive risk. Robin shares insights from her career in government, corporate intelligence, and threat management, offering a candid look at how cultural narratives, social resentment, and shifting perceptions are reshaping the protective mission. From the "era of resentment" to the importance of foresight and context, Robin explains how leaders and practitioners alike can adapt to new challenges while maintaining strength and composure. Whether you're a protector in the field or a security leader navigating executive risk, this conversation delivers practical takeaways and a strategic perspective. Don't forget to subscribe to episodes of Conversations in Close Protection.

June 16, 2025Episode 31 hr 5 min

Home Base, Hard Truths, & Father's Day

The CiCP crew is back on home turf. In this episode, Chuck and Chris acknowledge Father's Day, family, and the evolving responsibilities of leadership—in life and in the field. The team unpack the rising risk environment for executives and high-net-worth individuals, the convergence of digital and physical threats, and the uncomfortable but necessary truths facing modern security leaders. With recent headlines highlighting targeted violence and online radicalization, the team discusses how protectors and intelligence professionals must adapt to an increasingly asymmetric environment. This isn't just a shop talk—it's a recalibration. What does it mean to lead in today's hybrid threat world? And how do we keep our principles sharp when the lines between online vitriol and real-world violence continue to blur?

March 9, 2025Episode 22 hr 32 min

'Seguridad Cuantificada': Kevin Palacios on Data Driven Close Protection

In "Seguridad Cuantificada," your CiCP team dives deep with Kevin Palacios, an intellectual architect transforming executive protection from a gut-feeling profession to a data-driven strategic discipline. With a doctorate-level approach and 25 years of global experience, Palacios deconstructs traditional security paradigms, introducing a revolutionary framework that quantifies protection's business value. Learn how: Executive protection becomes a business enabler, not just a cost center Data and predictive analytics can transform risk management Professionals can translate protection strategies into measurable ROI Technology and human expertise can create a new protection ecosystem Prepare to have your understanding of protection fundamentally challenged. Please give us your feedback at protectiontalk@outlook.com

January 19, 2025Episode 11 hr 6 min

Shop Talk: January 2025

Conversations in Close Protection – Shop Talk January 2025, the team breaks down the critical security developments shaping the corporate and global landscape. We examine the tragic UnitedHealthcare incident and its implications for executive protection, the evolving role of security leadership in corporate governance, and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats in 2025. There is also discussions on the impact of SEC disclosure requirements on executive security, the shifting landscape of Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance, and key insights from the WEF Global Risks Report 2025, including geopolitical instability, disinformation, and environmental challenges. Join CiCP as they analyze the risks, challenges, and strategies that security professionals must navigate to stay ahead in an increasingly volatile world. Email us at protectiontalk@outlook.com UnitedHealth Lost $63 Billion in Value Amid CEO Security Concerns Should the SEC Revisit Executive Security Perquisite Disclosure? What to Expect from Cybersecurity Threats in 2025 Should the SEC Revisit Executive Security Perquisite Disclosure? New Year, New D&O Risks Summary of Key Risks

November 11, 2024Episode 122 hr 8 min

Promethean Pathways: Tristan Flannery on Advancing the State of Close Protection

The Conversations in Close Protection team discusses insights from Tristan Flannery of Presage Global, focusing on their upcoming Industry Training Survey. The conversation highlights the need for protectors to adapt to modern threats through education, technology, and soft skills. It addresses growth opportunities in the industry, including increased salary expectations and the demand for specialized training among mid-career professionals. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives on how the executive protection field is transforming and what it means for those dedicated to safeguarding lives and assets. If you have thoughts on the discussion, contact us at protectiontalk@outlook.com! Want to hear more from Tristan - check out his conversation on risk over at the Connected Intelligence podcast - https://shorturl.at/0Ppn2

October 18, 2024Episode 111 hr 1 min

Shop Talk: October 2024

Fall is here, but the risks are not cooling down. The team unpacks recent events, upcoming events, and highlights from recent conferences and travels. By all measures, fall is going to be something. Stay up on the talk and join the conversation at protectiontalk@outlook.com

August 23, 2024Episode 101 hr 8 min

Colloquium: Unpacking Recent Security Conferences

As the busy season kicks off, the team pauses to reflect on two significant industry events they recently attended. They dive into their experiences at the annual Threat Management Conference (TMC) hosted by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and CTG's 8th Annual Physical Cyber Convergence Forum in Phoenix. Both gatherings offered invaluable networking opportunities, thought-provoking discussions, and insightful conversations, proving worth the investment. Also discussed is Presage Global's recent LinkedIn EP Industry Training Survey. Join the discussion and let us know if you attended - protectiontalk@outlook.com

July 29, 2024Episode 91 hr 31 min

Shop Talk: August 2024

The CiCP team takes time out of their summer travels to discuss recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, recent global network issues, and revelations about North Korean agents working inside well-known cybersecurity companies. Don't forget to rate us and send us your comments to protectiontalk@outlook.com

July 6, 2024Episode 81 hr 27 min

Shop Talk: July 2024

The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton, who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Chief Security Officer, joins the team for a dynamic discussion. Gathered around the digital campfire, the team discusses: The current heightened state of alert at US facilities across EuropeUSoming Olympics, Para Olympics, and the Eurocup The complex operating environment in Mexico Where is the Wagner Group, one year after their "mutiny" attempt Chiquita Brands Columbian woes Stage Jumpers And more... Send us your thoughts at protectiontalk@outlook.com and join the conversation