Thrive Unafraid

Ever wonder the level of confidence someone must have to push through the fear associated with landing a combat jet on an aircraft carrier, at night, in the middle of the ocean?  In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Loree Draude—former naval aviator, Silicon Valley leader, best-selling author, and captivating performer. From making history in combat squadrons to navigating the h...

Safety oriented behaviors are not a destination, it’s a journey.  In this episode Seb Lavoie, a security expert, joins us on a situational awareness journey with him that began when he was a young boy trying to protect his mother. Seb Lavoie's episode is packed with real life examples, common pitfalls, and mindset approaches to your personal safety approach. Here's a glimpse of the insig...

Navigating the landscape of personal safety requires more than just intuition—it demands practical knowledge and proactive measures. In this episode, Deni Grow, a distinguished security professional, joins us to unravel the intricacies of staying safe in an unpredictable world. Deni shares invaluable insights and practical tips on enhancing your personal safety, whether you're at home, travel...

Let's equip children of all ages to effectively counter and minimize the ever-changing threats posed by predators. In this episode, Kelly and Doug engage in a conversation with CJ Scarlet, an expert in danger awareness dedicated to assisting parents globally in safeguarding their children. Join us as we gain insights from the Badass Grandma on the primary confidence builder for children and d...

Let’s delve into the dark and often misunderstood world of stalking.  Rachael Frost, an expert in threat assessment and safety planning, joins Kelly and Doug to shed light on this dark and often misunderstood world. Prepare to be empowered with insights that transform your understanding of safety, highlight the signs and dangers, and help protect you or someone you care about. In under 1 hour, you...

Do you or someone you know ever dabbled in the world of online dating, hoping to find love or companionship? In a digital age where connection seems just a swipe away, the risks associated with online dating have increased significantly. This episode dives deep into the world of online dating, scams, and how you can safeguard yourself or your loved ones from heartbreak and financial loss. Kelly an...

How do we keep up in a world in which the speed we receive information far surpasses the rate at which we can process and integrate it into our daily lives? Kelly and Doug tackle this question head on in this week’s episode of Thrive Unafraid with Bryan Niederhelm; a Threat Assessment expert who has worked with foreign government agencies and the U.S. Secret Service. Together, the three of them di...

Despite the many advancements that technology has provided, parenting in a digital driven world leaves our kids vulnerable to the risks and dangers that come along with it. In this episode, Kelly and Doug speak with Alana and Dean Stott, a multi-hyphenate power couple committed to making the world a better place. Teaching children’s cyber-safety is one of the many causes near and dear to their hea...

Depictions of self-defense and violence in TV and film naturally give us a sense of safety and reassurance that the bad guy will lose and that you should always take a criminal head on. Unfortunately, the theatrics of it all have given men (and women) a false look at self-defense. In this week’s episode, Kelly and Doug speak with martial arts and self-defense expert, Wim Demeere. Together they dis...

Trying to find a woman who has not found themselves in a dangerous or unwarranted encounter is harder than finding someone who has. That is one of the many reasons this episode with Nicole Snell is so crucial. Nicole discusses what it means to hone your intuition and assess or de-escalate potential threats in any situation. Nicole also shares her thoughts around the importance of situational aware...

It happens everywhere throughout the world, and touches the lives of billions someway, somehow.  In this episode, Kelly and Doug speak with Kara Smith, an expert committed to the pursuit of hunting criminals worldwide.  Learn with us about the myths and lies surrounding human trafficking, how to protect your kids from online attackers, and all about love bombing and security theater. To report a p...

Have you ever thought to ask a hotel check-in clerk NOT to tell you your room number out loud?  Did you know Sudafed is an illegal drug in Japan that will get you major jail time?  Join Kelly, Doug, and Ron Tetreau this week as they discuss top travel safety tips to keep you safe whether you’re a solo traveler or have a family or friends to protect.  This one is chock full of specific tips to keep...

Doug and I were thrilled to invite an “IG buddy”, fellow true northerner, and disaster preparedness expert Boris Milinkovich on the show.  This episode is chock full of advice on how to take baby steps now to positively change the outcome of any future disaster, major or minor, that you may experience.  Boris shares expertise on how to not only survive, but THRIVE through unexpected emergencies. ...

After a brush with death on September 11th, 2001, three blocks south of the World Trade Center and then fending off an attacker late one night months later, Jenn Casetta took a deep dive into martial arts training where she learned how to harness the power of mind, body, and spirit.  This week she joins us to share with you how to join her in the journey to becoming a badass yourself! Jennifer Cas...

One of the most frustrating parts of office culture in the United States is that often, as a woman, you are painted negatively for exerting the same level of assertiveness as your male counterpart no matter where in the chain of command you fall or your distinctive experience.  This week we are joined by Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke, a former US Secret Service Agent, an author and speaker, self-este...

Ever wonder how the U.S. military teaches its personnel situational awareness? They should be taught the best from the best, right?   This week’s guest, with Marine Corps Hunter training, admitted, “(the term situational awareness is) thrown around the military constantly. Make sure you have situational awareness. We say it all the time, but no one really defines what situational awareness is.”  S...

Being stalked is no joke, and in this episode Kelly and Doug dig into controversial topics related to stalking.  What exactly constitutes stalking?  Are there differences in how men and women should and do react to stalking?  How do you stop stalking behavior once you’ve recognized it?  What resources are available to you if you’re unsure you’re being stalked but feel uncomfortable?  And what is t...

Kelly and Doug get deep and dirty about the value and necessity of a woman’s perspective in self-defense classes, classes, seminars, and literature.  Who should be teaching who how to protect themselves?  Should a male instructor be teaching women how to defend themselves?  Does a police officer, who is trained in situational awareness and personal safety for work, have the proper insight to train...

Do you ever wonder if someone you care about or interact with often is manipulating you?  This week Kelly and Doug are joined by Justin Black to discuss common manipulation tactics, how to identify them, and how to address this behavior. Click here to download the Guide to Identify the 12 Most Common Manipulation Tactics .   Justin Black is the man behind the Spycraft 101 podcast , blog , and wild...

Learn to avoid dangerous situations, how to assess risks and how to react if danger does arise by yourself or with your loved ones.  In this episode, Doug and Kelly discuss the experience of a mom whose gut raised the alarm in a large parking lot with her child.   Click here to download Kelly’s Boundaries Workbook . Her comprehensive approach helps you take charge of your own personal safety so th...

Join as we dig into the expertise of Robyn Sandoval, Founder of A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League. A Girl & A Gun is a national organization dedicated to empowering women and teaching them valuable self-defense techniques. In this episode, Robyn dives into the many ways in which firearms can be used to defend oneself. She also talks about her experiences as an instructor and the impor...

In this episode, Kelly and Doug answer four listener questions. How do you approach someone in your life that is displaying red flags or harmful behaviors toward others? What do you do if you have a stalker? What self-defense moves should you learn first? Connect thediamondarrowgroup.com Kelly's IG: @thediamondarrowgroup Doug's IG:  @texasspydad

Today Kelly sits down with risk and situational awareness expert Justen Keating. Learn to keep yourself safe by varying your routine on a regular basis, understanding how a predator thinks in order to defeat them, and considering how you carry yourself. Kelly and Justen try to answer one great question: Why is confidence lacking in youth today? Connect with Justen: keatingglobalrisks.com IG: @ther...

Kelly and Doug unpack the double standards and hypocrisy of the way we treat male victims and survivors, as well as the way we interpret female bad behavior. Get curious about the "WHYS",  Ask yourself, "what action should I take in the future?", and focus on what you control: stay curious with yourself. Kelly's Question: Should there be two standards? One for women, one f...

Welcome to the Thrive Unafraid podcast! In their premier episode,  Kelly and Doug tackle the "good guy" excuse. When is someone's bad behavior forgivable, and what's your responsibility when it comes to communicating what you're not okay with? Key Points Articulation skills are key-to benefit you AND the other person Focus on the behaviors that make you uncomfortable, not...