Thrive Unafraid: Recent Episodes
Kelly Sayre & Dough Patteson
Real talk about real threats in the real world. Join Kelly Sayre and Doug Patteson as they discuss situational awareness and keeping yourself and your loved safe. Live life on your terms.
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 highs and lows of the tech world, Loree's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and finding joy in life's challenges.
Loree's episode is packed with her insights on leadership, overcoming setbacks, and embracing a life filled with passion and purpose. Here's a glimpse of the insight she brings:
- How to identify the values that are most important to you personally
- Why gratitude is important for self awareness
- How to rebuild your mental freeway
- How to be present and understand it
- Two quick ways to minimize the saboteurs in our heads
- Why you should practice saying the word ‘no’
- Why victims are not broken
Connect with Loree:
Websites: www.loreedraude.com / www.encaustech.com
IG: @loreedraude
Loree’s Books:Soar Into Joy: A Combat Pilot's Wisdom on Falling in Love with Your Life
She's Just Another Navy Pilot: An Aviator's Sea Journal
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 insight he brings:
- Limitations of self defense training
- How to invest in your safety without over investing in the process
- What data you should research prior to traveling
- How to manage emotions and respond optimally to threats
- Situational Awareness tips for beginners and those on the next level
- Why having a safety mindset when away from your home doesn't remove the fun
Click to download Doug’s FREE 36-page Travel Safety Guide
Scroll ⬇️ to listen to Seb speak about Domestic Violence in a two part guest appearance
Seb combines his over two decades of experience in law enforcement and the military, with his 40+ years of martial arts experience to coach others about situational awareness. Seb is dedicated to empowering women and has been on this journey since he was 9 years old protecting his mother. Seb is currently working on a masters degree in international security and is always sharpening his situational awareness sword.
Connect with Seb:
Website: www.ravenstrategik.com
IG: @slavccmdr
Seb's Domestic Violence Podcast Pt 1
Seb's Domestic Violence Podcast Pt 2
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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, traveling, or simply going about your daily routine.
Scroll to download Deni’s FREE 44-page Step-By-Step Guide for Travel Security
Deni Grow's episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice, covering topics from situational awareness to travel safety. Here's a glimpse of the value she brings:
- Understanding the illusion of safety
- Practical safety measures for everyday life
- The Psychology of Security - why you shouldn’t delay investing in security measures
- Creating a secure lifestyle
- Understanding the Fluid Nature of Security Risks
- Cultivating situational awareness to minimize risks
- Debunking self-defense myths
- The barn door theory
Don't miss the chance to gain valuable insights into personal safety. Share Deni Grow's expertise with a friend or colleagues and contribute to creating a community that thrives confidently in the face of uncertainties.
With over two decades of experience as an International Protective and Intelligence Specialist, Deni founded Athena Worldwide & Athena Academy in 2002, dedicated to empowering female security professionals. Inspired by the Greek goddess Athena, their focus is on soft skills, protective intelligence, covert protective details, and conflict management. Additionally, her company Nannyguards combines child care with protective services. She is committed to delivering top-notch security solutions and training programs globally.
Connect with Deni:
Link to Nannyguards: https://www.nannyguards.com/
Website: https://www.lemareschal.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denida-grow/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 discover the tools available to aid your children in establishing and maintaining boundaries. Learn the factors that make certain children more vulnerable to targeting, stay updated on the latest trends employed by predators, and explore additional methods to safeguard your most precious family members.
In under 1 information-packed hour, you’ll learn:
- How to ask your kids daily and monthly questions that build confidence.
- How to safely introduce social media to your kids.
- How to use the “Trust Circle” exercise to identify threats.
- How a child could be being groomed and STILL living at home.
- How to use gratitude and kindness to heal from the inside out.
- Why you should NEVER let your kids take electronics into their bedroom.
- Why you should get a monitoring app for your kids devices.
- What is sextoration and how predators leverage it.
- What are the three “superpowers" your kids should have?
CJ Scarlet, also known as the Badass Grandma, is a danger expert and author dedicated to empowering parents in protecting their children. A survivor of childhood abuse and teen sexual assault, CJ reclaimed her power, becoming an advocate for victims. With over 30 years of experience as a victim advocate, she served as the Director of Victims Issues for the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and ran a child advocacy center. Beyond advocacy, CJ's diverse background includes roles as a former roller-skating carhop, forest firefighter, and U.S. Marine photojournalist. Recognized among the "Happy 100" people on the planet, her inspiring triumph over adversity is featured in bestselling books.
Connect with CJ:
Link to Bark: http://bit.ly/CJScarlet_Bark
Discount code: “BADASSGRANDMA”
Website: https://cjcarlet.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cjscarletbadassgrandma
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cj.scarlet
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/cjscarlet
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/cjscarlet
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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’ll learn:
- Insights on the psychology of stalkers and their patterns of behavior.
- The different manifestations of stalking that can take place.
- Understanding the different types of stalkers and their motivations.
- The role of technology in stalking, including cyberstalking and online harassment.
- Self-prioritization in the context of online dating safety.
- How to document incidents and collect evidentiary support.
- The nuances of stalking cases, including the challenge of identifying subtle signs.
- Safety planning advice and the importance of being prepared for various scenarios.
- The increased danger in cases of intimate partner stalking due to the intimacy effect.
- The power of seeking support from victim advocacy centers and understanding available resources.
Rachael Frost is a respected authority in threat assessment and safety planning, bringing her extensive knowledge to help individuals navigate the complex world of stalking and domestic violence. With a background in law enforcement and a deep understanding of criminal psychology, she sheds light on the hidden threat of stalking and the crucial steps to protect yourself or someone you care about. Rachael's expertise and dedication to enhancing public awareness and safety make her a valuable resource in the realm of stalking prevention and support.
Connect with Rachael:
Website: https://frosticed.com/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frost.iced/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violenceresponseexperts/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-frost-701741196/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 and Doug welcome Jane Mason, a former FBI Special Agent who brings her extensive knowledge of criminal psychology and fraud investigations into the realm of online dating. They uncover the truth about common romance scams, warning signs to look out for, and share essential tips to protect yourself and those close to you. While exploring the world of online dating, the conversation takes a profound turn, covering critical topics such as personal information safety, drink spiking, and the power of self-prioritization. Jane's insights provide invaluable guidance for anyone entering the online dating landscape.
You’ll learn:
- How to safeguard your personal information when venturing into the world of online dating.
- How to code words for discreetly asking for help during in-person meetings.
- Recognizing the telltale signs of drink spiking and the immediate actions to take for your safety.
- The art of projecting a strong, confident presence to reduce the likelihood of becoming a target.
- The psychology behind online scams and catfishing.
- Conducting comprehensive research before engaging with potential dates.
- The potential future of dating apps and how regulation may affect their operation.
- The interplay of behavior in the dating world and how to focus on these behaviors to ensure safety.
- Common online dating scams and red flags to watch out for.
Jane Mason is a former FBI Special Agent with a wealth of experience in criminal psychology and fraud investigations. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to unraveling complex cases and understanding the motivations behind criminals' actions. Her upcoming "Dating Safety Bootcamp" showcases her commitment to helping individuals navigate the world of online dating safely and confidently.
Connect with Jane:
Website: https://www.janexfbi.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janexfbi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janexfbi
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janexfbi/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 discuss tools you can use to challenge your own beliefs and biases amidst the constant influx of information in society to achieve wisdom. They also dive deep into how leaning into uncertainty, and using natural instincts, like intuition, can help you navigate any situation you encounter.
Other topics we covered:
- What is intuition and actionable ways to tap into it to strengthen your self-defense, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills
- How you can prevent the thinking that precedes the instinct that violent ideation should be your first measure of safety
- How to get started on “the path” to wisdom in personal safety
- How to challenge your personal expertise and biases so you don’t become a victim of yourself
- The role that social media and technology, like AI, plays in our current society of information overload
- The importance of leaning into the discomfort of uncertainty as a self-defense tool to reduce anxiety
- What is a Low Information Diet and why you need one
Bryan Niederhelm directs threat assessment practitioners who are responsible for the assessment and management of thousands of cases of inappropriate pursuit, threats, and harassment, including situations involving mentally ill stalkers, disgruntled current and former employees, stalkers who pursue their victims at the workplace, interpersonal stalking, and domestic violence. He provides consultation on safety and privacy for at-risk individuals, and he has managed some of the Nation’s most sensitive investigations for public figures. Bryan also directs a staff of intelligence analysts on behalf of at-risk individuals and public figures traveling internationally. He oversees GDBA’s Advanced Threat Assessment Academy and MOSAIC Threat Assessment Systems. He has worked with the U.S. Secret Service and foreign government agencies during the planning and implementation of security operations involving public figures, U.S. Presidents, and foreign heads of state. Bryan served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the elite Embassy Security Battalion, responsible for the safety of U.S. diplomats in Kyrgyzstan (Ker-gy-stan) and Israel.
Connect with Bryan:
Medium Articles: https://medium.com/@niederhelm
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanniederhelm/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 hearts, and one they’ve become experts in since growing their own family. Together they discuss why shielding your kids from the world isn’t the best way to keep them safe, how building a relationship with your child is more impactful than any safety app you can find online, and so much more.
Other topics we discussed:
- The importance of putting your relationship with your kids first
- Encouraging your kids to make mistakes and make their own decisions
- The consequences of not educating your kids
- Why apps aren’t as powerful as words
- How getting curious with your kids can lead to impactful conversatios.
- How safety and security leads to confidence
- Understanding your child's fight or flight type
Alana Stott is an author, producer, anti-human trafficking consultant, publisher, security specialist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Her husband Dean Stott is a former British Special Forces operator, two-time world record breaking cyclist, global security expert, adventurer, philanthropist, author, and international speaker.
Connect with Alana and Dean:
Website: https://alanastott.com & https://www.deanstott.com
Twitter: @alanastott & @DeanStottSBS
IG: @alanastott & @deanstott
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alana-stott-mbe-194493aa/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-stott-24725880/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 discuss the complexities behind self-defense including: taking ownership over your actions, the importance of leaving your ego at the door, and de-escalating tense situations before violence occurs.
For more of Wim’s instructional self-defense content, check out his Patreon site, updated monthly. There are over a thousand posts and hundreds of videos as he’s been doing this for over five years now. There is something at a price point for everybody and you can try it for free for a week.
Other topics we discussed:
- Negative effects of romanticism of violence in TV and film
- How to not let your ego affect your decisions in conflict
- Understanding the distinctions between social and criminal violence
- Defining your mission before conflict ever arises
- Deescalation tactics for when a conflict occurs
- The importance of self-awareness and ownership in conflict
- How to face threats from other individuals (Peyton Quinn’s Rules)
- Why face-saving exit in conflict isn’t the safest option
- The Highway of Violence
Wim Demeere has almost 40 years of training in several martial arts and self-defense systems: Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Sanshou, muay Thai, MMA, etc.
He has been a full-time personal trainer since 1994, has occasionally worked as a bouncer, and in his words, he had a non-eventful military service. Wim has been a national champion Quinda multiple times, and won a bronze medal at 1993 Wushu World Championships Sanshou (-90Kg). Wim has shared his knowledge with thousands of people as the author of numerous instructional books, self-defense videos, and his podcast titled, Wim Demeere’s Podcast. He is the owner and writer of one of the oldest martial arts and self-defense blogs, Wimsblog.com.
Connect with Wim:
Website: https://wimsblog.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ptccm
IG: @wimdemeere
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WimDemeerePage
Check out the blog post referenced in this video: https://wimsblog.com/2013/04/self-defense-tips-for-men/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 awareness, establishing boundaries, and the belief that all women and girls should live without limits despite perceived danger.
Other topics we discussed:
- Fear as a tool, not an enemy
- The benefits of developing a toolkit versus just ‘safety tips’ for personal safety
- Assessing Nicole’s personal self-defense encounters and how she chose to react
- How to establish boundaries when approached or caught off-guard in public
- Criticism that women face in the aftermath of negative situations
- Outdoor defense and safety
- Feeling empowered to live without limitations
Nicole Snell is an award winning international speaker, trainer, and self-defense expert specializing in sexual assault prevention education, gender-based violence prevention, and boundaries. Despite her successful 12-year career in TV, she always felt a pull to give back to women. Through connections she developed partnering with a women’s self-defense group she worked with in college, Nicole was introduced to Girls Fight Back. She is now the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Founder of Outdoor Defense, and Lead Instructor with both IMPACT Personal Safety and IMPACT Global.
Connect with Nicole:
Website: Nicolesnell.com
Girls Fight Back: Girlsfightback.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/nicolesnelloutdoordefense
IG: @adventuresofnik & @girlsfightback
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsfightback
Twitter: @girlsfightback
Check out the IG posts mentioned in this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqblSQtLhl4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CurXz-OAxhM/
Nicole’s Virtual Class with Backcountry Women: https://backcountrywomen.com/event-5210807
August 30th, 2023
$65 for members, $75 for non-members
Note: The live event will be recorded and everyone who registers will have one week to watch the recording.
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 potential human trafficking situation, or to receive personal help, call the Human Trafficking hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Kara shares stories on the various ways kids and adults alike end up trafficked, and shares ways to help ensure it never happens to you or your loved ones.
Other topics we covered:
- The domestic sex trafficking industry in the United States
- How platforms like OnlyFans can be used by sex traffickers
- The business world of human trafficking
- How law enforcement is trained to deal with trafficking
- All the places you might accidentally be perpetuating trafficking on the internet
- The concept of Security Theater
- Cybersecurity and safety with kids
- What is love bombing and why is it a red flag?
- How to talk to your kids about internet safety
- How to get your kids to talk to you about who they meet online
Kara Smith began her career as an intelligence analyst in the United States Air Force supporting critical missions spearheaded by the National Security Agency deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Later she continued her intelligence career working with a specialized counter-terrorism unit within the FBI before she was recruited by DeliverFund a non-profit that combats human trafficking where she worked side-by-side with law enforcement and survivors as the former Chief of Analytics where she guided the organization's strategic analysis and technological development that provided analysts, law enforcement, and private industry with the most up-to-date practices, methodologies, and tools in the fight against human trafficking. Her unique analytical capabilities and experience in combating counter-terrorism and human trafficking led her to open her own consulting firm where she provides expertise and guidance to her clients in the fields of, counter-human trafficking, intelligence, investigation methodology, curriculum development, and child safety.
Connect with Kara:
Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/
Website: https://karasmithconsulting.com/
IG: @kara_the_huntress
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealkarasmith/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 you and your data safe and secure throughout the entire trip.
Click here to download the newly released “Traveler Safety Guide”!
Ron shares stories of how he, his friends, and colleagues keep safe while traveling, as well as how he prepared his daughter for overseas solo travel. He criticizes some commonly recommended hotel safety advice, and discusses alternative options with Kelly and Doug.
Don’t miss out on advice on:
- Hotel door safety (including why/when not to bar yourself in)
- Be careful where you charge your electronics
- Situational awareness in unfamiliar environments and cultures
- Hotel check-in safety practices
- The Rule of Stupids while traveling
- Considerations of dress when traveling
- The Gray Man Theory
Ron Tetreau is a retired police Detective from the City of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Serving 24 years as a Law Enforcement Officer and is also a 38-year veteran of both the United States Air Force and the United States Army, he is currently a MSG in the US Army Reserves. He is a graduate of Roger Williams University holding a BS Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Terrorism and Counter Terrorism Studies. As a police officer, he served on the SWAT Team for more than 16 years as the Training Coordinator as well as serving as both an Assault Team Leader and Sniper Team Leader participating and leading operations including Barricaded Subjects, High Risk Warrants, Drug Interdiction Operations. He was also a member of the State of Rhode Island Homeland Security Weapons of Mass Destruction Team serving on the Assault Element. He was a guest instructor at the FBI Law Enforcement Sniper School and served as a liaison to Joint Special Operations Command as a Guest Instructor at the FBI Sniper School. As a member of the 1996 Summer Olympics Security Team he was assigned to the Personal Security Detail at the Soccer Venue at the University of Georgia.
Connect with Ron:
Website: http://asymmetrictraining.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/asymmetrictraining/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-tetreau-b25ab015/
Email: info@asymmetrictraining.com
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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. His Disaster Preparedness Guide has helped thousands of individuals and families build a buffer of safety and security in the face of a disaster situation before it happens. In this episode, Boris spills the beans on the foundation of his teachings.
Don’t miss out on advice on:
- How to prepare for any emergency situation starting today
- How to develop a ‘calm under pressure’ mindset to emergencies
- How to develop a disaster preparedness plan for various potential situations
- What types of plans you might need depending on your lifestyle and responsibilities
- What some people get wrong about emergency preparedness
- …and so much more!
Boris joined the Canadian Forces as an Infantry Reservist in 1998, eventually transitioning to Intelligence and then to his current position as a member of the Military Police. He was decorated with the Canadian Forces’ Decoration for his service. He is also a 17-year veteran of the Federal government, having served 5 years as a Customs Officer (with his last year in a Special Enforcement Unit) and the last 12 working in Transportation Security & Emergency Preparedness, incident management and national security. He has delivered training to various other government departments on security-related topics, as well as other stakeholders, and currently acts as departmental liaison officer and Active Assailant trainer for the Department of Transport. Despite that background, he continually seeks out new training and opportunities to learn and improve, and needless to say we were lucky to snag a bit of his time and expertise!
Connect with Boris and check out True North Tradecraft products:
Website: https://truenorthtradecraft.ca/
IG: @truenorthtradecraft
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borismilinkovich/
TedTalk: https://youtu.be/faT7hKDTxsM
Books:
- Negative space: https://amzn.to/3AF4bt3
- Disaster Preparedness: https://amzn.to/3KZ5QOH
Store: https://truenorthtradecraft.ca/products/
Connect with Doug and Kelly:
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 Cassetta is a TEDx and keynote speaker, empowerment coach and author of The Art of Badassery: Unleash Your Mojo With Wisdom of the Dojo. Equipped with her 3rd degree black belt in Hapkido, Masters degree in nutrition and various wellbeing certifications, she's spent the last two decades coaching people to feel strong, safe and powerful from the streets to the boardroom.
In this episode of Thrive Unafraid, Doug, Kelly, and Jenn discuss:
- The potential impact of unexpected and unavoidable events on your physical and mental wellbeing
- What is Hapkido (a type of martial art) and the positive influence it has had in Jenn’s life
- How to to reclaim your power and to feel confident no matter what is happening or has happened in your life
- Why it’s important to develop self-awareness
- How to move forward if you’ve been the victim of an attack or negative circumstance
- Dressing how you want and still staying safe
- The potential harm in giving the benefit of the doubt
Also don’t miss out on Doug’s “Rule of Stupids”!
Watch Jenn take the TEDx stage (barefoot, of course) as she walks us through her framework for living a life of utter badassery!
Check out Jenn’s book: The Art of Badassery
Take Jenn’s FREE Confidence Course
Connect with Jenn on Instagram, LinkedIn, or at https://jennifercassetta.com/
Check out the book Jenn recommended: The Body Keep The Score
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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-esteem mentor, and Dr. of Clinical Psychology. Dr. Mary Beth has devoted her life to teaching women how to defy the odds and win in a world full of challenges, risks, and pitfalls.
In this episode of Thrive Unafraid, Doug, Kelly, and Dr. Janke deconstruct:
- Should women get special treatment just for being women when considered for jobs, promotions, or awards?
- Mindset versus application: Can you practice self-awareness while not respecting others’ boundaries?
- The importance of strong and consistent workplace habits for women
- Factors to be aware of in office communication between males and females
- What is a self-esteem mentor and the effects of raised self-esteem in women
- The importance of stress management on your mental and physical health
- Application of Cooper’s Color Codes
Dr. Janke shares stories of her own experiences as she redefined what it means to be a successful woman, leader, and badass in a historically male-dominated profession.
Walk away with practical tips to positively change important relationships in your own life, and take hold of your own destiny.
Video on How to Live a Badass Life, including the challenge at the end: https://youtu.be/2T08Z5dYChk
Check out Dr. Mary Beth’s book: The Protector
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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.” She then shares throughout the episode how she personally ended up “really defining what situational awareness meant to me and then how it could impact not just how I carried myself, but passing that knowledge along to everyone else.”
Katheryn Basso is a former U.S. Marine Officer trained in the Marine Corps Hunter program. Her knowledge, understanding, and practice with situational awareness is eye-opening. More recently, she started the Kadri Clothing Company to shed light on and help fix the problem of gender bias in the military via lack of appropriate clothing options for women. You can check out more on that here.
Listen to this episode of Thrive Unafraid for more on:
- Defining what situational awareness means to you personally
- How gender bias still manifests in the U.S. military to date
- How to use the OODA loop to assess your personal safety
- How many chances you should give your gut/intuition when it flags a situation or person before choosing to act
- The importance of practice in personal safety
- How to form a baseline when entering a new environment
- And so much more!
Here’s the Ted Lasso link that Doug mentioned.
Dive into this episode chock full of interesting stories, personal experiences, and hands-on advice.
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 the role of intent when talking about stalking behavior?
Subscribe online for this week’s Episode Key. You’ll find all of the mentioned links, articles, daily habits, and other tips and tricks in there.
It is far too common an occurrence to feel that “off” feeling in your gut or suspect someone might be following you on the streets or maybe stalking you online, but also feel uncomfortable reporting it because you are unsure if you are correct or possibly mistaking the situation.
Listen to this episode of Thrive Unafraid to learn how to:
- Determine if you’re being stalked
- Steps to take if you’re being stalked
- Where to go for help if you’re being stalked or simply feel uneasy about a situation
- How to recognize warning signs and trust your instincts
- How to confront a stalker safely
Kelly shares stories from women who have confided in her about their stalking experiences, how they handled the situation, and Kelly shares further expertise and insight on how to safely interact with a potential stalker or when to skip straight to the authorities.
Gain the confidence to Live Life Unafraid with situational awareness and personal safety guidance from this episode.
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 average citizens?
Click here to download this week’s Episode Key, including the daily habit for practicing your own personal safety and Doug and Kelly’s list of questions to ask about personal security, situational awareness, and safety.
They also discussed:
- The importance to your personal safety of how you present yourself daily
- When it’s appropriate to create space in physical scenarios
- Pre-event situational awareness
- Understanding your situational awareness filter
- How Secret Service agents detect fraudulent U.S. dollars and why you should care
- One simple snapshot you can take of your kid(s) daily to ensure you’re covered in case of danger
And remember - there’s no shame in failure, only shame in refusing to learn!
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 wildly popular Instagram account, where he teaches about the history of clandestine operations to history lovers, covert ops junkies, patriots, weapons & gadgets enthusiasts, the safety savvy, and the personal-security conscious. He’s also highly trained in human intelligence and he came onto Thrive Unafraid to discuss threats and human behavior.
Kelly, Doug, and Justin discussed:
- Common manipulation tactics
- Is all manipulation bad/wrong?
- The morality of gaslighting
- A breakdown on manners
- Listening to the voice inside you
- Reading body language and non-verbal cues
- People-watching to learn tells
Justin also shares enthralling stories about CIA and British Special Operations agents using manipulation tactics in their work or to survive capture.
Join us to learn more about how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from manipulation in your home, at work, or in public.
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 that you can better protect yourself in any situation.
Learn to:
- Identify potential threats
- Enact physical awareness
- Pay attention to your surroundings
- Avoid distractions
- Create an escape plan, if needed
They also touch on:
- Knowing basic self-defense techniques
- Trusting your instincts
- Personal safety devices
- Tips for building situational awareness
Explore the importance of having real conversations about safety and discover practical methods to ensure that you are living in a secure environment. Tune in to learn expert tips on how to courageously move forward confidently in all aspects of life, no matter your current circumstances.
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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 importance of having a go-to script to use in high stress situations, as well as the potential consequences of not being prepared.
Scroll down for this week’s Episode Key. You’ll find all of the mentioned links, articles, daily habits, and other tips and tricks in there.
Robyn began A Girl & A Gun to provide women with an opportunity to learn and practice firearm skills in a safe and inviting environment. With over 80 clubs in every state, the organization has become increasingly popular. Women come from all walks of life and all ages, eager to learn and hone their firearm skills.
Other takeaways from this episode:
- How to develop a go-to plan when it comes to self-defense
- How to make quick decisions in potentially dangerous situations
- How to use improvised weapons when you don't have a gun
- What types of training programs and courses are available for self-defense
- Why having a supportive community can be an invaluable asset in your personal safety
- Breathing techniques for stressful situations
- Different skills and techniques that can be used to improve shooting proficiency
Robyn shares her journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faced in becoming a proficient shooter and trainer. She talks about the importance of gun safety, mastering the fundamentals of shooting, and her unique approach to self-defense, which incorporates both physical and mental strategies and training in other self-defense practices, including jujitsu, knife fighting, and improvised weapons to help ensure a better chance of defending oneself in any situation.
Ready to join the conversation?
Follow The Diamond Arrow Group on Instagram and Facebook, and Kelly Sayre on LinkedIn and Twitter.
You can find Doug at @texasspydad, or on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Check Kelly’s new book Sharp Women that guides you through embracing your best self-defense weapon - your intuition.
Please click ‘Follow’ or ‘Subscribe’ on your favorite podcast platform, and we’d love to hear what you think is the best piece of advice you’ve heard on the podcast to-date in a Review on your podcast platform!
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: @therealirishlad
LinkedIn: Justen K.
Connect
thediamondarrowgroup.com
Kelly's IG: @thediamondarrowgroup
Doug's IG: @texasspydad
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 for men?
Connect
thediamondarrowgroup.com
Kelly's IG: @thediamondarrowgroup
Doug's IG: @texasspydad
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 the person.
Build trust in your intuition
"Trust is more easily burned than earned." - Doug Patteson
Connect
thediamondarrowgroup.com
Kelly's IG: @thediamondarrowgroup
Doug's IG: @texasspydad
Welcome to the Thrive Unafraid podcast, where you'll hear real talk about real threats.