The Security Circle

Hosted by Yolanda Hamblen (Yoyo)

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Episodes

181

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

An IFPOD production for IFPO the very first security podcast called Security Circle. IFPO is the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and is an international security membership body that supports front line security professionals with learning and development, mental Health and wellbeing initiatives.

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June 10, 2026Episode 1811 hr 19 min

EP 181: Operating in the Space Between Panic and Hope: Dr Matt Todd, Hostage and Crisis Negotiator

Send us Fan MailPodcast Summary – EP 181 | The Return of Dr Matt ToddSome conversations stay with you long after the microphones switch off. Others quietly change the trajectory of an entire podcast.When Dr Matt Todd first joined The Security Circle Podcast back in Episode 113, listeners around the world connected with something extraordinary. It wasn't just the stories from a former hostage and crisis negotiator who had stood on bridges in the middle of the night, worked alongside governments during international kidnappings, and helped people navigate their darkest moments. It was the humanity behind them.To this day, Matt's first appearance remains the single most downloaded episode in the history of The Security Circle Podcast – a remarkable achievement in a catalogue filled with some of the security industry's greatest minds. Yet, if you know Matt, you will know that success sits lightly on his shoulders. Few people combine such profound expertise with such genuine humility.In this deeply thoughtful return to the podcast, Matt shares the lessons that years of crisis negotiation, global deployments, academic research, and human connection have taught him. From the surprising power of a simple cup of tea to the importance of truly listening, he explores why behaviour matters more than words, how emotion shapes decision-making, and what leaders can learn from those standing at the edge of despair.Together, we discuss the reality of negotiating in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, managing families through unimaginable crises, navigating the challenges of social media in a connected world, and the four behavioural drivers that underpin so much of human behaviour: control, identity, respect, and capacity.But perhaps most importantly, this episode reminds us that beneath every title, every role, and every crisis, there is simply another human being trying to be heard.Warm, insightful, and profoundly moving, Dr Matt Todd returns to The Security Circle Podcast not only as our most popular guest, but as one of its most cherished. Whether you joined us for Episode 113 or are discovering Matt's wisdom for the very first time, this is a conversation that will change the way you listen, lead, and connect with others.Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer another person isn't an answer.It's our attention. Our presence.And perhaps... a cup of tea. ☕Welcome back, Dr Matt Todd. The Security Circle wouldn't quite be the same without you.Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

June 3, 2026Episode 18059 min

EP 180: Russia Wants You Angry: A Spy's Warning to the West with Sean Wiswesser Russian Espionage & Security Expert and Former CIA Senior Operations Officer

Send us Fan MailPodcast Summary🎙️ EP 180: Russia Wants You Angry: A Spy's Warning to the WestWhat if the greatest threat facing Western democracies isn't a missile, a tank, or even a cyberattack?What if it's distrust?This week on The Security Circle Podcast, I sit down with former CIA case officer and Russian intelligence specialist Sean Wisswesser to explore the hidden battlefield of modern conflict — information warfare, influence operations, espionage, and the psychological tactics being used to divide societies from within.Drawing on nearly three decades in the intelligence community, Sean shares extraordinary insights into how Russian intelligence operates, why democracies remain a target, and what ordinary citizens need to understand about the unseen war being fought every day across social media, politics, and public discourse.Together we discuss:🔹 Russian intelligence tradecraft and modern espionage🔹 Putin's strategic view of the West🔹 Information warfare and cognitive manipulation🔹 The weaponisation of social media and division🔹 The lessons of Ukraine for Western democracies🔹 Why young people are increasingly targeted by influence operations🔹 The psychology of betrayal, treason, and recruitment🔹 Whether the West is winning or losing the intelligence warTwo powerful moments from the episode capture the challenge facing democracies today:🗣️ "For Putin, the greatest threat isn't NATO. The greatest threat is a functioning democracy on his border."🗣️ "Russian intelligence doesn't care which side you choose. They just want you fighting each other."This is a fascinating conversation about spies, strategy, influence, and the future of democracy itself. Whether you're a security professional, intelligence enthusiast, or simply trying to make sense of an increasingly complex world, this is an episode you won't want to miss.🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms.I think this title and summary work exceptionally well together because they reinforce the central theme Sean kept returning to throughout the interview: the real battleground isn't territory, it's trust.https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F0hW0vRex&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-OTBmOTQ5MWUtZDM0Ni00M2Q0LWFhODEtZjk0MTc3ZTc5MGE3XzEwMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_messaging_conversation_detail%3B6crqUSPZRNuwsaVUr46TNw%3D%3DSecurity Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

May 27, 2026Episode 17954 min

EP 179 The Future of Fraud: 'There Is a Scam for Everyone', with Becky Holmes Author of "Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You"

Send us Fan MailPodcast SummaryEP 178 The Future of Fraud: There Is a Scam for Everyone with Becky HolmesThis week on The Security Circle Podcast, we welcome back fraud expert, author, and social engineering commentator Becky Holmes for a gripping conversation about the rapidly evolving world of deception, manipulation, and digital trust.Following the success of her bestselling book Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, Becky returns to discuss her powerful new release, The Future of Fraud — and why modern fraud is no longer just about dodgy emails and suspicious links. Today’s scams are organized, scalable, emotionally manipulative, AI-enhanced, and designed to exploit human vulnerability at scale.From romance fraud and pig butchering scams to deepfakes, fake businesses, cloned travel websites, and emotionally engineered attacks, Becky explains why fraudsters are no longer hacking systems — they are hacking people.Together, we explore:• Why “there is a scam for everyone”• How AI and deepfakes are eroding digital trust• The psychology behind social engineering• Why smart people still fall victim to fraud• The parallels between romance fraud and domestic abuse• How organized crime has industrialized deception• Why shame remains one of the fraudster’s greatest weapons• The growing responsibility of social media and search platforms• And why the future of fraud is becoming deeply personalThis is a fascinating, emotional, and eye-opening discussion that challenges the belief that fraud only happens to “other people.”Because in today’s world, the real attack surface isn’t technology.It’s human trust.https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyholmeshatesspinach/Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

May 20, 2026Episode 17857 min

EP 178 From Costa Rica to Complexity Theory: Rethinking Modern Security with Erik D. Erikson

Send us Fan MailPodcast SummaryFrom Costa Rica’s escalating violence and drug trafficking routes to complexity theory, semiotics, cultural anthropology, and the psychology of human behaviour — this week’s episode of The Security Circle Podcast goes far beyond traditional security conversations.Joining me is Erik D. Erikson, a Costa Rica-based security professional, trainer, coach, and systems thinker whose work explores the intersection between security, culture, language, community dynamics, and human resilience.In this fascinating discussion, we unpack:The changing security landscape in Costa RicaDrug trafficking, migration, and societal instabilityWhy ego can become one of the greatest risks in security leadershipComplexity theory and the Cynefin Framework in crisis managementSemiotics, misinformation, propaganda, and “irregular warfare”Why understanding culture and human behaviour is now essential for modern security professionalsThis is not a typical cyber security episode. It is a deep exploration into how people, systems, narratives, and communities shape the environments security professionals must operate within every single day.Thought-provoking, unconventional, and packed with insight — this episode challenges us to think differently about what security really means in today’s world.https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-d-erikson/Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

May 13, 2026Episode 17753 min

EP 177 From Space Missions to Security Missions with Bruce McIndoe Founder, iJET/WorldAware & Top 40 Global Thought Leader in Life Safety 2024/25

Send us Fan MailThis week on The Security Circle Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most fascinating minds in modern security and operational resilience — Bruce McIndoe.Bruce’s career journey is extraordinary. From working in astrophysics and NASA missions, through intelligence operations supporting military environments where decisions could mean life or death, to pioneering the travel risk management industry as Founder of iJET International (now part of GardaWorld/Crisis24), Bruce has spent decades helping organizations navigate uncertainty, disruption and crisis.Today, as President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, Bruce advises global organizations on operational resilience, protective intelligence, people risk management and the future of cross-functional security operations.In Episode 177 — From Space Missions to Security Missions — we explore:🚀 What NASA taught Bruce about failure, systems thinking and mission-critical risk🛰️ Why intelligence work changes the way you view uncertainty forever🧠 Why “the biggest risk isn’t technology — it’s people”⚠️ The dangers of security silos in modern organizations🤝 Why the future belongs to multi-capable security professionals📊 Why more dashboards, more AI and more tools do not automatically create resilience🔮 The Future Operations Center and how AI could reshape operational security foreverThis episode is packed with insight for anyone working across security, cyber, resilience, crisis management or leadership.Some standout quotes:💬 “Technology feels comfortable. People don’t.”💬 “Resilience isn’t built on perfect intelligence.”💬 “Good training builds judgment, not just muscle memory.”This is one of those conversations that challenges the way you think about security altogether.Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

May 6, 2026Episode 17653 min

EP 176 AI Is Smarter Than Most Companies Are Ready For Because Its Just Too Good: with Dr Paul Dongha PhD, Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy, NatWest Group and Jaci Badenhorst Lead, for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform

Send us Fan MailPodcast SummaryPaul reflects on his extraordinary journey researching AI agents nearly 30 years ago — long before the world was paying attention — while Jaci shares practical insights into how organisations are struggling to balance innovation with control.Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future problem. It is already shaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, how cyber attacks evolve, and even how humans think, trust and behave online.From AI-powered cyber threats and vulnerable AI agents to surveillance concerns, hallucinations, insider risk, and the growing dependency humans are developing on chatbots, this episode explores why some of the very people building AI are also the ones warning us to slow down and think carefully.The conversation dives into:Why AI is advancing faster than many organisations can govern itHow AI is already transforming cybersecurity and software developmentThe hidden risks of AI agents operating inside businessesWhy “human in the loop” matters more than everThe future impact on jobs, education and younger generationsWhether AI is subtly reshaping human behaviour and decision-makingWhy governance, accountability and ethics can no longer be treated as optionalJaci is a finance transformation and AI governance leader at NatWest Group, where he serves as the Lead for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform. In this role, he focuses on enabling responsible adoption of emerging technology at scale, with an emphasis on strong risk management, clear accountability, and practical governance that supports innovation while protecting colleagues, customers, and the organisation.Paul is the Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at one the UKs largest bank, leading a dedicated team of AI practitioners, and pioneering Responsible AI in financial services. Paul also leads the bank’s AI Strategy to ensure AI provides not only a highly personalised customer experience but is also deployed ethically to augment colleagues’ day-to-day work.Paul is also co-author of ‘Governing the Machine: How to Navigate the Risks of AI and Unlock its True Potential’ (Bloomsbury Business, 2025), a practical guide to responsible AI which has since been named in the Amazon top 10 bestsellers in two categories and in the FT top 5 Business Books of the Month. Paul's influential work has been published throughout leading articles, including The AI Journal, The Green Business Journal, Business Reporter, Natwest, Evident AI Responsible AI Report, Irish Tech News and CIO Business World Magazine.Paul’s influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms and into the global arena, where he actively participates in international forums, policy discussions and projects aimed at setting global standards for responsible.Paul has a PhD in Agentic AI and was previously a university researcher and lecturer in Computer science and AI.Jaci began his career at PwC working in Assurance and Business Recovery Services, before moving into FP&A at NatWest. He later transitioned into data and technology, bringing together financial rigour with hands-on experience of building and governing digital capabilities in a regulated environment. Alongside his industry role, Jaci chairs the ICAS AI Working Group and is a member of the ICAS Ethics board. His work connects professional ethics, assurance-minded thinking, and real-world experience of deploying AI. Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

April 29, 2026Episode 17553 min

EP 175 Your Smart Home is Watching You: AI, Surveillance & the Cost of Convenience with Elizabeth Parks President & CMO of Parks Associates

Send us Fan MailEpisode SummaryIn Episode 175 of The Security Circle Podcast, Yolanda (Yoyo) Hamblen is joined by Elizabeth Parks, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Parks Associates and fellow 2025 Life Safety Alliance winner, for a fascinating deep dive into the realities of our hyperconnected world.From smart homes and surveillance tech to AI companions and the hidden risks of convenience, Elizabeth shares eye-opening insights from decades of tracking consumer behaviour, connected technologies, and the ever-blurring lines between physical security and cybersecurity.Together, Yolanda and Elizabeth unpack some of the biggest questions facing us right now…Is your smart TV really listening… or even watching?Why are consumers willingly trading privacy for convenience?Why do smart, informed people still click phishing links?Are AI tools becoming companions we trust too much?And are connected devices making our homes safer… or more vulnerable?With shocking real-world examples, including connected TVs allegedly capturing thousands of images per hour, AI hallucinations, phishing scams, smart cameras aiding law enforcement, and the growing dependency on devices like Alexa and ChatGPT, this episode explores the security, ethical, and emotional consequences of life online.If you’ve ever wondered whether convenience is costing us control… this episode is for you.🎙️ Expect bold opinions, practical advice, and some unsettling truths about the devices already inside your home.We love Thursdays!Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

April 22, 2026Episode 17449 min

EP 174 Ransomware Nation: Why Business Is Still Getting Punched in the Face with Jamie MacColl Senior Research Fellow in Cyber and Tech at Royal United Services Institute

Send us Fan MailEP 174 Ransomware Nation: Why Business Is Still Getting Punched in the Face with Jamie MacCollRansomware is no longer “just an IT problem.” It is a national security threat, an economic threat, and a direct threat to business survival.In this explosive episode of The Security Circle, Yolanda interviews cybercrime expert Jamie MacColl, whose recent appearance on BBC Panorama put the UK’s ransomware crisis firmly in the spotlight.Together they unpack the brutal reality facing organisations today: why businesses are still failing the basics, why boards are not listening until they get “punched in the face,” and how cyber criminals are exploiting weak fundamentals like poor patching, missing MFA, vulnerable suppliers and operational complacency.From the chaos caused by attacks on UK retail, manufacturing and healthcare, to the rise of groups like Scattered Spider, Jamie explains why ransomware has become a business hostage crisis hiding in plain sight.This episode dives into:• Why ransomware should be treated like terrorism and organised crime• The dangerous culture of silence stopping businesses learning from attacks• Why “secure by design” and “secure by default” are still more slogan than reality• How supply chain weakness is fuelling the next wave of attacks• Why governments are struggling to legislate fast enough• What businesses must do now to survive the next six monthsIf your organisation still thinks “it won’t happen to us,” this episode is your wake-up call.Because in today’s world… complacency is expensive.🔥 We love Thursdays.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-maccoll-b925a8127/Jamie MacColl is a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. His current research focuses on ransomware and other financially motivated cybercrimes, the UK’s national cyber strategy, and the role of private companies in global cyber governance. He is also currently a Senior Research Associate at Virtual Routes, a European think tank, and a Project Fellow at the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security. Jamie holds an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from the University of Cambridge and BA in War Studies from King’s College London.Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

April 15, 2026Episode 17354 min

EP 173 Outwitting Manipulation: The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology with Lena Sisco Former DOW Interrogator and Elicitation and Human Behavior Expert

Send us Fan MailPodcast SummaryIn this powerful episode of The Security Circle Podcast, we welcome back Lena Sisco to explore her latest work, The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology—and what it really means to face manipulation head-on.Drawing from her experience as a former Department of Defense interrogator, Lena breaks down the subtle and often invisible tactics used by narcissists, manipulators, and those operating without empathy—both in our personal lives and in the workplace.This is not about learning how to manipulate. It’s about learning how to see it, stop it, and outwit it.Together, we unpack:How manipulation and coercive control show up in everyday relationships and professional environmentsWhy you can’t “win” against a narcissist—and what to do insteadThe critical importance of controlling the narrativeReal-world examples of gaslighting, deception, and psychological pressureHow body language and behavioural cues can reveal the truth beneath the surfaceThe dangerous impact of unchecked manipulation on confidence, decision-making, and wellbeingThis episode goes beyond theory. It’s grounded in real experiences—from interrogation rooms to boardrooms—and offers practical strategies to help you set boundaries, protect your thinking, and take back control.If you’ve ever questioned your instincts, second-guessed a situation, or felt the subtle pull of manipulation—this conversation will change how you see people forever.https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-sisco-8a31b451/Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

April 8, 2026Episode 1721 hr 13 min

EP 172 Warhead - How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain with Dr Nicholas Wright Neuroscientist and Advisor to the Pentagon Joint Staff and the UK Cabinet Office

Send us Fan Mail🎙️ Podcast SummaryIn this episode of The Security Circle Podcast, we are joined by Nicholas Wright, neuroscientist, former Pentagon advisor, and author of Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.Nicholas brings a rare perspective that connects neuroscience, human behaviour, and global conflict—exploring how the most powerful weapon in any war is not technology, but the human brain.From decision-making under pressure to the role of fear, reward, and perception, we unpack why conflict is not just political or technological—it is deeply human. Nicholas explains how our brains are wired for both cooperation and confrontation, and why misunderstanding, bias, and emotion continue to shape the outcomes of wars past and present.We also explore the difference between the nature of war, which remains constant, and the character of war, which continues to evolve through technology, AI, and modern strategy.This episode challenges conventional thinking and offers a powerful reminder: if we want to understand the future of conflict, we must first understand ourselves.Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers