The Security Equation With Dan Donovan

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 t...

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...

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 cla...

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...

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...

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 facili...

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,...

​​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-wor...

In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Linda Gray Martin, Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President at RSAC Conference, about her 25+ years building one of the most influential cybersecurity conferences in the world. Linda shares her journey from planning for a single doctor to catching the "event bug" that led her to RSAC Conference, where she now oversees an 18-...

In this critical episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Victor Williams, founder of Quest2Freedom and former DHS Homeland Security Investigations Coordinator with 34 years of fighting human trafficking, about the intersection of security operations and the fastest-growing criminal industry worldwide. Victor shares the shocking story of a 15-year-old girl who disappeared from an...

In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Adam Stockwell, Senior Vice President of Safety & Security for the Milwaukee Bucks, about his 16-year career with the U.S. Secret Service and how presidential protection experience translates to NBA arena security at Fiserv Forum. Adam discusses the Secret Service's current challenges following assassination attempts on Pres...

In this episode of The Security Equation, Dan Donovan speaks with Luca Cacioli, CEO of CEIA USA, the 60-year global leader in metal detection and weapons screening technology. Luca shares the remarkable story of a Marine who tattooed CEIA's logo on his leg after their IED detector saved his life in Afghanistan, illustrating how the company's engineering-first approach to security technolog...

In this eye-opening episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Cameron Ford, a 30+ year K9 detection veteran who has trained dogs and handlers for Navy SEAL Teams 1, 3, 5, and 7, worked as a police officer and SWAT operator, and conducted groundbreaking research with Duke University and Texas Tech University on canine olfaction and firearm detection. Cameron pulls no punches...

In this compelling episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Calvin Graber, Senior Vice President of Business Integration at Stratoscope, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of event security. From his early days checking radios for his father's security company at Candlestick Park to leading security operations for Super Bowls and the inaugural F1 Las Vegas Grand...

In this episode of The Security Equation , host Dan Donovan sits down with Sarah Vitale , VP & Global Account Director at George P. Johnson , to explore the point where brand experience and event security intersect . From a career that started in fashion PR to leading global experiential strategies for Google, Sarah shares how security has become a core pillar of the attendee journey — not a b...

What does it really take to move tens of thousands of fans safely into a high-profile event filled with celebrities, athletes, and priceless assets? In this episode of The Security Equation with Dan Donovan , Dan sits down with Richard Askintowicz, Operations Manager at Fanatics Events , to break down the realities of modern event security, crowd management, and large-scale operational planning. F...

What does it take to lead one of America’s most dynamic cities, navigate high-stakes decisions, and stay grounded in the face of constant change? In this episode of The Security Equation with Dan Donovan , Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley joins host Dan Donovan , Founder and Managing Partner of Stratoscope, to discuss leadership, resilience, and what it means to protect and empower a city built on...

In the premiere episode of The Security Equation, host Dan Donovan sits down with Dylan Ratigan — journalist, former MSNBC host, political activist, and entrepreneur — for a conversation on how leaders maintain clarity amid chaos. Drawing from experiences reporting on 9/11, navigating Wall Street, running for Congress, and building companies, Dylan shares lessons on risk, composure, and the mental...