Time to Head North

In this insightful episode of the Time to Head North Podcast, host Vincent Vargas explores how Stoicism serves as a tactical tool for navigating stress, crisis, and uncertainty. Joined by his longtime friend and expert in security and Stoic philosophy, Brady Pesola, they unpack how this ancient mindset can sharpen your emotional intelligence and decision-making in high-stakes situations. Stoicism...

Join us on this special episode of Time to Head North as we sit down with our own Natasha Ryan and announce her departure from TNG. In Tash’s time as our VP of Communications and Business Development and host of TTHN, she connected with many service members who were experiencing difficult times. That connection to the people who fill our industry led Natasha to her new position at Stronger Familie...

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we sit down with Vietnam veteran Michael Reagan, who has devoted his life to helping the families of fallen soldiers and has received international recognition for his life’s work. Through his heartfelt and meticulously crafted portraits, Michael has brought comfort to countless families, offering them a piece of their lost loved ones. Listen in as he...

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we delve into the incredible efforts of Humanitarian Express, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering crucial aid to those on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Hear a firsthand account from the founder, veteran Randy Luten, on the volunteers braving dangerous conditions to provide medical supplies, food, and support to those in need. Disc...

This week’s Time to Head North episode features a conversation with Dr. Treston Wheat, a renowned intelligence expert, analyst, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. The North Group’s CEO, Steve Hernandez, also joins us. The discussion delves into the complexities of predicting violence around the upcoming elections, highlighting the crucial role of intelligence in determining the probab...

In this week’s Time to Head North, we sit down with Mike Petty, VP of the ASIS Foundation. The foundation aims to help security professionals further their careers while building community ties. The money the non-profit raises goes towards scholarships for ASIS members who otherwise would not be able to advance their learning or obtain certifications. The latest raise is a fitness challenge; your...

In this week’s Time to Head North, we talk with Dr. Erin Carlin, a Professor of National Security Studies who collects and disseminates data on mass shootings for the Institute for National Security and Military Studies. Erin has personally been in two active shooter scenarios, which helped fuel her drive to affect change. Listen to her story, and don’t forget to subscribe!

In this week’s Time to Head North, we discuss travel risk with well-known industry leader Patrick Kane. Patrick is not only a Director of Security but also a leading voice on managing travel risk and currently sits on an ASIS working group on travel risk.

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Carlos Francisco, a seasoned professional who has held pivotal roles in security management at Disney and now serves as the Regional Security Director for Meta. Widely known as the Corporate Security Translator, Carlos is known for his expertise, as showcased through his best-selling book and engaging podcast,...

In this week’s Time to Head North episode, we chat with Grapevine's CEO, Emily Rasmussen. Grapevine is an organization that gathers like-minded people to donate to a common cause. Hear how this giving platform provides a new meaning to the definition of a philanthropist and allows a safe way to donate.

In an unexpected twist of fate, U.S. Army veteran Earl Granville found himself facing profound challenges. This week on Time to Head North, join us as we delve into Earl's remarkable journey of resilience, where he shares the stirring narrative of losing his brother, teammates, and his left leg and how he transformed grief into profound growth. His story is a testament to the human spirit's abilit...

War equals trauma, and the Israeli/Hamas War is undoubtedly causing a massive amount of trauma for citizens on both sides. However, it’s also affecting people here in the U.S., especially for those with ties overseas. On this episode of Time to Head North, we talk with Jessica Walton, a Jewish-American who lived in Israel and studied there, where she conducted and focused research on deterrence, p...

On this week’s Time to Head North, we sit down with author, actor, former border patrol agent, and our good friend Vince “Rocco” Vargas. In his new book, “Borderline,” Rocco has made it his mission to shed light on eliminating false perceptions of what’s happening on the border and lend his insight into what it really means to be a border patrol agent.

On this week's Time to Head North, we spoke with Lee Oughton and Tim Wenzel, the visionaries behind The Kindness Games. Initially an online platform for recognition videos, it has transitioned gracefully from the digital realm to global bookshelves. Lee and Tim shared the evolution of their project, highlighting the origins of their latest book—a testament to the transformative power of a simple i...

In this week’s Time to Head North episode, we delve into the synergy of real-world experience, education, and the future of security professionals. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alan Saquella and BJ Zapor, experienced security experts who’ve taken on the role of teaching college students about the security industry. They share valuable insights on the importance of nurturing young ta...

Next year, we will surely see an election cycle filled with misinformation, the integration of AI, and increased security concerns. In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we sit down with Lester Godsey, the Chief Information Security Officer for one of the largest counties in the country. Lester shares his perspectives on the challenges of election regulation and safeguarding everyone durin...

On this week’s episode of Time to Head North, The North Group has a light-hearted and thoughtful conversation about ASIS’s annual conference, GSX 2023. We made new connections, saw old friends, and learned a lot! Hear about our experience and share yours.

Join us on the latest Time to Head North as we delve into the journey of a renowned protector, Jared Van Driessche. He unveils his triumph over childhood domestic abuse, showcasing his success and his mission to promote healing and awareness.

In this week’s Time to Head North episode, we are presented with Serena Mastin’s captivating journey of survival and extraordinary triumph over adversity. Serena, a successful marketing executive and entrepreneur, opens up about her past – having been born into a Satanic cult, where she experienced unimaginable hardships, including enduring sexual abuse and the profound trauma that accompanied it...

In this week’s episode, we talk to retired Navy SEAL and NYT bestselling author Clint Emerson about personal safety. His book 100 Deadly Skills teaches people the most vital skills to safeguard themselves and their loved ones.

Hiring security officers can be a challenge with the current demand, especially in healthcare. This week we sit down with Stacia Rivera, Senior Director of Security and Safety for Providence Swedish, to discuss hiring and retaining the right personnel in an industry with a high rate of workplace violence incidents. 

In this week’s episode, we sit down with IPSB Board Member and industry leader Chris Story to discuss standards for executive protection professionals. Most agree it’s time and necessary to create a standard for protectors. The question is, who should write them, what they look like, and what is the process for it? Chris weighs in.

In this week’s Time to Head North, we chat with Olivia Arnauts of Project ZF to discuss human trafficking. She shares her personal story and what lead her to her life’s work of fighting human trafficking. She is currently creating a safe place for victims amid her day job at ZFI Solutions, specializing in protective intelligence.

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we talk about personal safety with the author of Sharp Women, Kelly Sayre. She gives women tips on how to stay sharp and protect themselves and emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and how it can be used in every facet of our lives to promote safety.

School shootings are happening far too often, especially for one mom who knows what it feels like to lose a child. Sandy Hook mom Michele Gay from Safe and Sound Schools came on the podcast to discuss the epidemic and what she believes can help prevent the violence.