Tips, Tactics, and Tools Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Abby McLean, a Covenant School parent on March 27, 2023, as she recounts the day of the shooting and the painful journey that followed. From the moment she received the first call to the agonizing time spent searching for her children, Abby shares the raw emotions, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming grief that forever changed her family and community.   Through...

On March 27, 2023, Katherine Koonce, Mike Hill, Cynthia Peak, Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney, and Evelyn Dieckhaus lost their lives to a shooter at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN. The impact extends beyond the victims, affecting their families, staff, students, first responders, and the community. This series seeks to amplify their voices. Through conversations with people in this community,...

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Detective Michael Collazo as he shares his journey—from his early years and decision to join the Marine Corps to his path in law enforcement and the day that made his name known across the nation: March 27, 2023. Along the way, he and Brink, a former Nashville police officer, swap stories, share laughs, and reflect on the unique experiences that come with...

In this powerful episode, Brink Fidler and Tom Herring sit down with Tracey Mendenhall, VP of Defend Systems, to discuss the critical importance of active violence response training across various sectors. Timed Highlights: [0:01:45] - The importance of preparation and prevention in safety training [0:07:11] - Tracey's passion for empowering civilians through training [0:17:01] - Why teachers are...

In this special episode, we break down the shooting at Antioch High School in Nashville and discuss steps that must be taken to protect our schools and prevent future tragedies. We discuss the warning signs, social media threats, security measures like metal detectors and AI software, and the critical role of training and preparation. As former teachers, law enforcement, and military personnel, we...

In this episode, Brink and Tom are joined by Adam McIntyre, a Retired U.S. Army Green Beret, for an eye-opening discussion on the critical role of mindset and preparation in today's increasingly unpredictable world. Together, they explore essential safety and security practices to keep in mind wherever you go, while Adam shares unique insights into the mindset of volatile foreign adversaries and t...

We're back! In this episode of Tips, Tactics, and Tools, Brink and Tom sit down with a former private school risk manager, Gloria Maas, to explore the critical role of proactive strategies in mitigating risk. Learn why playing defense isn't enough, how to make your tech work smarter, and why a risk register could be your new best friend. From avoiding costly losses to making sure everyone knows ho...

In this special episode, we break down the Uvalde shooting and discuss future effective mitigation strategies to protect our schools.     Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com     Tips, Tactics, and Tools for a Safer Tomorrow was born out of several conversations between Brink Fidler and Tom Herring that always revolved...

Brink and Tom are back at it kicking off 2022 with new episodes! It's been awhile since we last were on and there have been quite a few changes in our culture.      Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com     As usual, a few things came up:   2:30 - BRINK - How sad is it that I have a company that does what it does? 4:30 -...

The battle against business closures and economic shutdowns has been hard fought in 2020.  In Michigan, they have been the Fort Sumter of opening salvos around the country when it comes to a Governor overstepping their bounds.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with Dan McCarthy,...

What in the world is going on with people these days? Why does the division in our country seem so deep and irreconcilable? If one attitude can sum up our culture at the moment, it's "I'm okay, you're *not* okay."     According to Michael Drew, we've been here before. Back in 1940 or so….and 1860 before that. We go through this every 80 years.  Brink and Producer Jim talk to Michael who co-authore...

Nashville's Real Estate market is one of the nation's hottest at the moment. This has created higher home prices, more interest and an influx of people. While this is all well and good for our local economy, crime is also on the rise as a result.        Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com In this episode, Brink and Tom...

As another national lockdown looms, we seem to be rushing towards a reckoning of sorts.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with Dan Hagen, a Nashville Community Organizer and Musician who sincerely plays to the beat of his own drum….and guitar.    Dan has never shied away from...

Owning and being permitted to carry a gun doesn't come with knowing how to use it properly and what rights you have when you find yourself in an altercation.   In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with John Harris, Executive Director of the Tennessee Firearms Association.   The Tennessee Firearms Association holds that every American is endowed with certain inalienable rights, granted to us by our...

In this remote episode from the Royal Range, Brink and Tom talk with Songwriter Mitch Rossell about the how the music industry has changed since the tragic events in October 2017 at the Route 91 Harvest Festival.   Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up:   -Mitch song writes for Garth Brooks -D...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the growing demand for guns and ammo and the importance of TRAINING!   Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up: - It's great to win a gunfight, but not so great if you don't survive it -Private citizens are asking about arming up with helmets and body ar...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with National Radio Host and Nashville Political Defender, Phil Valentine about some close calls he's had with interesting people….some being a security risk.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com A few things that came up: - Brink worked undercover in the crowd when Phil fought the...

Are you aware of the Castle Doctrine?   With ANTIFA increasingly on the prowl into residential areas, threatening to break into homes, what rights do you have should something happen in your home?   In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the importance of understanding the Castle Doctrine. Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstactics...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the importance of having a risk mitigation plan for your workplace, managers and employees with Charles Roselle, CEO of Trinity Risk Solutions.   Charles talks about his chilling experience with protecting then First Lady Bush while working in the Secret Service. His experience in the Secret Service led Charles to become a leader in corporate vulnerability...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the most glaring access point in your home, your garage door. Pro Door Doctor Bill Yuss joins the show to discuss the ways you can shore up the weakest point in your home or business.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up: -Bill came from Chicago an...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the various ways you can make your home or facility a harder target for would be criminals.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up:   Access control, who has true control?   Lighting can make your facility or home a softer or harder target   You have...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about the fallacy of just throwing cameras up onto a building. In this day and age, it takes a true security and defense strategy to adequately keep your property protected.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up:   Tom is tired of competing with prosumer...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk about what to do if you're in the middle of a mob scene. Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up: Nashville going through COVID, Tornados, Riots, Protests   What to do when driving into an angry mob   Highway protests   Mob Mentality   21 foot rule.....   Don'...

In this episode, Brink and Tom talk with Randy Atlas of Atlas Safety & Security Design, Inc the lack of situational awareness at many facilities and the false sense of security that a camera system with no strategy can create.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up:   Randy is a CPTED Expert...

In this episode, Brink and Tom continue to talk about a step by step method to prevent your home from being an invasion or theft target and ways to defend it should someone breach it.    Listen to this as well as past episodes, comment, ask questions and subscribe to the show: www.tipstacticstools.com   A few things that came up:   The racking of a shotgun is a universal sound   Using a laser or l...