A preview of our soon to be released weekly podcast. 

Raised in a family rooted in public service—his father a Secret Service agent—Todd Jenkins began his journey as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then answered the call to serve on the front lines of American history: first as a soldier in the U.S. Army, and later as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service. In this episode, Todd shares his inspired beginnings, his entry into the Secret Service during the 1980s, and his extraordinary firsthand account of the events of September 11, 2001. Listen as he recounts witnessing the events from the National Mall and describes the historic activation of the Presidential Successor Program for the first time in U.S. history. A story of patriotism, resilience, purpose, and optimism.

A true executive protection professional whose name on the roll means his heart is in the work. If you're lucky, maybe he'll even be the boss of you.

Retired Special Agent in Charge Ken Valentine spent 24 years in the US Secret Service, serving on the Presidential Protective Division for three US Presidents, and retiring as the Agent in Charge for the Dignitary Protective Division. He is a gifted storyteller, public speaker, and author of two books. You can find a link to his website below:

https://www.kennethvalentine.com/

#YearbookTheology #DirectionNotPerfection #DrivingTheLimo #PreparationMeetsOpportunity #CongressionalAffairs #Mentoring #Prayer&Faith

From chasing counterfeiters through confederate outhouses and doghouses to protecting the President at the White House. The history of the US Secret Service is worth understanding and appreciating. I guarantee you'll learn something new today. Spend a few minutes with us as you learn the origin story of the US Secret Service and how they're still fighting the good fight today.

#OriginStory #CivilWar #Counterfeit #Legacy #PayWood #DontRushTowardProtectees

From protecting the President as a member of the Counter Assault Team to protecting our nation's schools, Mike's life is one of devotion to duty and servant leadership.

Mike's company can be found here.

https://m6globaldefense.com/

#SchoolSafety #MentalHealth #CounterAssaultTeam #GodsPlan #Grit #HighAmbition #Brotherhood #IronLawOfBureaucracy

From a Minnesota Farm House to the White House, John Shuman spent 15 years as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service. Several of those years were spent on the Vice President's Detail. Today he is the Director of Security for Lake Highlands Preparatory School in Orlando, Florida. 

Craig Fraser was all in on his career in the US Secret Service. He viewed his career not just as a job, but as an outward profession of his core values. He credits his time in the #USArmy for setting his life on a disciplined path. America is a better place for his over 30 years of service to our nation. Oh yeah, he also has one of the most epic challenge coin collections ever assembled. We cover off on that too. 

#Sacrifice #TrasformationalVSTransactional #IntelligenceDivision #FlagshipOffice #Texas3Step #ChallengeCoins #Elvis

Join host and retired Special Agent Jim Holcomb as he delves into the world of the United States Secret Service with his longtime friend and guest, Tom Landry, a retired Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Field Office. Celebrating the 160th anniversary of the agency, Tom shares his fascinating journey from his early inspiration shaped by Kennedy-era politics to his unique experiences in government service, first with the US Border Patrol then later with the US Secret Service.

Explore Tom's impactful stint as Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the George Bush detail, his innovative contributions to airspace security, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. Gain insights into the demanding life of a Secret Service agent, where protecting dignitaries, adapting to unexpected challenges, and forging strong partnerships are all part of the day's work.

This episode offers a candid discussion on the unique blend of protection and investigation missions, the evolving nature of the threats faced, and the importance of leadership in managing one of the world's premier law enforcement agencies. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, professional reflections, and humorous tales from behind the scenes.

#BorderPatrol #TreasuryDetail #AirspaceSecurity #MissionChallenges #EarpieceEnvy #FormerPOTUS #TeamBeijing

Today we sit down with Tim Reboulet, the COO of M6 Global Defense and a retired Senior Special Agent of the United States Secret Service.

Tim opens up about his multifaceted career, from navigating complex motorcade routes in Beijing China to the importance of balancing service to country with a personal life. We also dive into pressing topics such as school safety, personal growth, who roots for the better baseball team, and the friendships maintained through such a demanding profession.

#We'reReplaceable #Motorcades #BeijingOlympics #SchoolSafety #PostServiceAdjustment #WorkLifeBalance #SFGiants #STLCardinals

In this episode of the Outside the Secret Service, we dive into the remarkable career of Jeff James, a retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Pittsburgh Field Office. Spanning from 1996 to 2018, Jeff shares his experiences as an agent in the U.S. Secret Service. From helping a former President find a belt at KMart, to assisting in solving a cold case while liason at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Jeff's story is one that would make his hero, Captain America, proud.

Jeff served as a Special Advisor on the US House of Representatives Task Force investigating the attempted assassination of, then, former President and Candidate Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. 

https://taskforce.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/july13taskforce.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/12-5-2024-Final-Report-Redacted.pdf

#Butler #CongressionalCommittee #CaptainAmerica #TwoPittsburghs #NCMEC #Patriotism

You may call her "Your Honor" but we like to call her "our friend, May". Welcome to the Outside the Secret Service podcast, where we sit down with May Chow, a remarkable retired Senior Special Agent of the United States Secret Service. In this episode, you'll hear May's incredible journey from her early days in law enforcement in San Francisco, to her life on the Vice President's Detail and what happened that day the Vice President accidentally shot his friend and hunting partner. Finally, we'll hear May's tales of operating a small office in Burlington, Vermont and the challenges that presents. 

May's career is a testimony of resilience and how good people show up when things go horribly wrong. Listen as she shares candidly about balancing a demanding career with motherhood, handling unforeseen adversities, and the unwavering camaraderie within the Secret Service.

#Resilience #HuntingAccidents #Grit #BouncingForward #MakingMarriagesWork #Sacrifice #BarstoolSports

Every job in the US Secret Service is important and comes with tremendous responsibility. None, however, may come with more responsibility than the Special Agent in Charge of a Protective Division. They are not only ultimately responsible for the safety and security of the Protectee, but they're responsible for the management of the workforce of their division.  In this episode, you'll hear from retired Assistant Director Nick Trotta, known for his tenure as the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division.

The Agent in Charge of a protective division is the agent "over the shoulder" of the protectee. They hear and see it all and, today, you will too. Did you ever wonder what it was like on the ground the night President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the World Series in New York in 2001? Wonder no more. Did you ever wonder how the Secret Service gets notified that the President has decided he's going to serve Thanksgiving dinner to troops in an active war zone? Well, we cover that too.

Don't miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on some of the most significant moments in recent history, as told by the agent who lived them. 

#History #Legacy #Community #Training  #PelotonOne,

Deacon = President Carter

HMFIC = High MoFo in Charge

Every job in the US Secret Service is important and comes with tremendous responsibility. None, however, may come with more responsibility than the Special Agent in Charge of a Protective Division. They are not only ultimately responsible for the safety and security of the Protectee, but they're responsible for the management of the workforce of their division.  In this episode, you'll hear from retired Assistant Director Nick Trotta, known for his tenure as the Special Agent in Charge of the Presidential Protective Division.

The Agent in Charge of a protective division is the agent "over the shoulder" of the protectee. They hear and see it all and, today, you will too. Did you ever wonder what it was like on the ground the night President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch of Game 3 of the World Series in New York in 2001? Wonder no more. Did you ever wonder how the Secret Service gets notified that the President has decided he's going to serve Thanksgiving dinner to troops in an active war zone? Well, we cover that too.

Don't miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on some of the most significant moments in recent history, as told by the agent who lived them. 

#History #Legacy #PowerOfCommunity #Training  #PelotonOne

Deacon = President Carter

HMFIC = High MoFo in Charge

You're in for a captivating conversation with Rad Jones, a retired Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office. As humble as he is capable, SAIC Jones shares remarkable experiences from his career, starting just nine months before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and times of a Secret Service Agent (and the agency) from a bygone era, filled with insider anecdotes and pivotal moments in U.S. history.

#Resilience #Resourceful #JFKAssassination #KeepTheSecretInSecretService #USSSValues

Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jerry Williams recounts his journey from Uniformed Division posts in D.C. to investigations, Presidential protection for George H.W. Bush, Camp David assignments, and international advances in Northern Ireland. He shares memorable moments and lessons on leadership, process, and public service.

This episode offers a candid, fast-paced look at daily life in the Secret Service, the evolution of protection and investigative work, and how those experiences shaped a long federal career after leaving the Service.

As America approaches the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our homeland, it's only fitting to hear the story of an Agent who witnessed it first hand. Now retired, Special Agent Darin Kinder recounts what brought him to the US Secret Service in 2000, what happened on 9/11 as a young agent in the New York Field Office, and what motivated him to serve an additional 24 years in the organization. 

Since retirement, Darin spends his time as a professional speaker with Fierce Faith and has recently published a book, 'Bury Me in a Dirty Suit'. His book chronicles his account of the events on 9/11 and the impact it had on his faith. Committed to pursuing his passion and purpose until he's called home by God, he's committed to not wasting a single day.

For speaker bookings: darinkinder.com and fierce-faith.com

Book link:  https://a.co/d/7jMnSYm

#Faith #DoTheNextThing #Resilience #Humility #USCoastGuard

Retired Special Agent Cindy Marble joins the OTSS podcast to trace her Secret Service career—from being inspired by Watergate to posts in Houston, the Washington Field Office, the Intelligence Division, and the Presidential Protective Detail.

She shares frontline stories and insights about threat assessment, mental health intervention, and how her protective intelligence work led to a new role in the private sector with a focus on connecting scattered open-source information and preventing threats.

A generational leader, Cindy shares insights about how to lead high-achievers in a zero-fail mission. 

From driving limousines to lockup, Retired Special Agent Frank Kelley sits down to recount a 23-year Secret Service career - from field investigations and presidential protection to an international counterfeit takedown. 

Frank also discusses his move to Inspector General for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the growing drone-and-cellphone contraband problem inside prisons, and candid personal anecdotes about life on the job.

On this episode of Outside the Secret Service, former Special Agent Jon Wackrow recounts his unexpected path into the Secret Service from a career in the hospitality industry. Jon's career teaches us about the power of relationships.

Join us as we explore his experiences from being in the training academy during 9/11 (returning to a field office that no longer physically existed), and his years on protective and investigative details. Now as a CNN law enforcement analyst, Jon helps us understand some of the cultural challenges inside the agency and the lessons of teamwork and leadership that have shaped his post-service career.

Retired Special Agent John Constantine joins us to discuss his 20+ year career in the US Secret Service, focusing on life after retirement, identity transition, and the mindset needed for protective operations.

The episode covers counter‑assault team experiences, leadership lessons, physical and mental health challenges for retirees, diplomatic and operational demands of global protective work, and John’s post‑service plans including consulting and a forthcoming book.

Join fan favorites Kevin Dye and Todd Jenkins as we unpack the Secret Service’s role in securing New York City for the annual United Nations General Assembly. We share firsthand stories about the massive logistics undertaking, long hours, cultural clashes, and unexpected moments that define UNGA in New York City.

The episode is heavy on humor and hard-earned lessons, post assignments, and memorable incidents — offering you a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s largest security operations is planned and executed.

This week, I'm fortunate to sit down with the inestimable Jerome Pickett. Jerome started as an intern in the New York Field Office, then hired on as a Special Agent in the same office. He later served on the Counter Assault Team and the Presidential Protective Division where he always made a positive impact. 

As interesting as his career in the Secret Service is the road which lead him there and the path he charted afterwards. After leaving the Secret Service, Jerome served as the Chief Security Officer for the NBA, McDonalds and, now, Elevance Health. He is as kind as he is competent and the kind of leader we hope to be or work for.

Retired Deputy Chief Katrina Bonus, shares her start-to-finish journey in the Secret Service Uniformed Division, tracing its history, mission, and day-to-day duties protecting the White House complex, and so much more, in the Nation's Capitol.

She recalls defining moments from Oklahoma City, memorable encounters on post, the challenges of construction and security, serving as the first woman Deputy Chief, and her transition to retirement where she continues to serve the US Secret Service.

#Patriotism #WhiteHouseHistory #Profession #ServiceToOthers #WonderWoman

Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert "Bobby Mac" McDonald joins the OTSS podcast to trace his path from serving as a federal probation officer to 20+ years in the U.S. Secret Service. He generously shares behind-the-scenes stories from New Haven, D.C., both the Presidential and Vice Presidential detail and his post-USSS time with the NBA.

Now an assistant professor at the University of New Haven, Bobby Mac reflects on ethics, leadership, preparing the next generation of practitioners, and practical insights about AI, accountability, and life after federal service.

Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Charlie White recounts his 27-year Secret Service career spanning San Francisco Field Office fraud squads, Counter Assault Team work, Presidential Protective Division, and long-term overseas liaison posts in Bonn, Germany and Moscow, Russia. 

Charlie's career offers a unique insight into how cultural differences can shape security operations abroad. He reflects on leadership, integrity, and relationship-building as the key lessons he took into the private sector after retirement.

On this Season 1 finale of OTSS, we sit down with Retired ATSAIC of the US Secret Service, Sean Quarmby. We cover his 25-year career that started in New York, saw time in Washington DC, then finishing in Charlotte (which is definitely in one of the Carolinas). Sean shares great stories and unique insights of what it's like to work inside the White Houses access control section (housed in Room 23), protective details, and memorable moments like running with a President who was all gas and no break.

As fascinating as his career with the USSS was, his life retirement life remains one of service and daring feats. In addition to teaching the next generation of law enforcement professionals at a local community college, Sean has found time to write an award-winning novel, 'Room 23: A Secret Service Agent's Story of Espionage and Intrigue' which readers say is "an easy read that's intellectually stimulating and action packed". You can find the link to purchase the book here: https://a.co/d/9NxlJIO . It will definitely arrive in time for Christmas!

They tell you not to start a show with a "show stopper", so I saved this for Episode 2 of Season 2.

Barry Spodak is a mostly-retired clinical specialist, senior consultant and trainer, whose simulation-based training and collaboration with researchers shaped behavioral threat assessment and protective intelligence for the U.S. Secret Service.

The episode traces Spodak’s 40-year impact on generations of agents and officers: teaching them to interview people with mental illness, recognizing the ‘‘path to violence,’’ using realistic role-play simulations, and focusing on threat assessment and management to prevent targeted violence.

Here is a link to the US Secret Service's Exceptional Case Study Project that started it all: https://nij.ojp.gov/library/publications/preventing-assassination-secret-service-exceptional-case-study-project

Today we welcome Brian Lewis to the Outside the Secret Service Podcast. Brian is a Navy veteran and now retired Roseville, CA Police Lieutenant. On this episode we cover his fast-paced two years in the Secret Service which included a stint on a campaign advance team, and protecting a high-level foreign dignitary (Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai); and the ping-pong match that may have saved US-Afghan relations.

While Brian's story is uniquely his, the pace of his career and the decision to leave represent an all-to-familiar pattern in the ranks of the Secret Service. His story is equal parts impressive, inspiring and instructive.

Today we site down with Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Mark Youngblood, to re-trace his 23-year Secret Service Career.

Mark is a natural storyteller and this episode features vivid anecdotes - from getaway trips during training, Rwandan goodwill moments, airspace operations and the Bitcoin/Silk Road investigation fallout - as well as reflections on timing, teamwork, leadership, and the challenges that lead to retirement.

Mark also discusses his transition to the private sectore with American Global Strategies and the lasting lessons he took from life in the US Secret Service.

Former Special Agent Tate Jarrow joins the podcast to share his journey from West Point to wiretaps. We talk about his path through combat deployments to the U.S. Secret Service, where he tackled major cyber investigations like the Liberty Reserve takedown and JPMorgan intrusion, served on the Counter Assault Team, and later transitioned to tech and startups focused on online safety.

This episode dives into polygraph myths, training realities, wild protection logistics (including a multi-boat extraction from the lawless tribal region of Nantucket), life-saving moments, and why personal privacy and consumer protection matter more than ever.

Tate is a natural and a cutting-edge leader in online safety and personal privacy. You can find his worthwhile offerings here:

https://onlinesafety.substack.com/

and here: 

https://trustrebound.com/ 

Former Special Agent Jason Russell recounts his unconventional path to the Secret Service beginning with a remarkably unremarkable high school tenure. When he took his first criminal justice course in college, his life's purpose came into focus. Passionate about service and law enforcement, Jason bookended his time with the US Secret Service with a local department and another federal agency. Each uniquely preparing him for that moment when preparation met inspiration. 

Jason shares how the tragic murders at Sandy Hook moved him to consider how he might prevent future such tragedies. Jason left government service and founded Secure Environment Consultants helping schools, childcare centers, and numerous other organizations with security assessments, emergency planning, and training—applying Secret Service methods and principles of resourcefulness and preparedness to protect our most vulnerable communities.

You can learn more about Secure Environment Consultants here: https://secprotects.com/ 

On April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) at the Washington Hilton, an armed man charged past a magnetometer checkpoint, shot a uniformed Secret Service Officer and was subsequently apprehended as he attempted to make his way to the ballroom where the President, Vice President and a host of other USSS Protectees and Cabinet Officials were seated. 

On this episode of Outside the Secret Service, I'm joined by retired SAIC Tom Landry (Episode 008), retired DSAIC Todd Jenkins (Episode 001), and Former Special Agent, and current CNN Law Analyst, Jon Wackrow (Episode 018). Together, our goal is to help listeners gain a better understanding of the events of the WHCD, offer insight and perspective from Special Agents who have actually walked the space, evaluate the response, dispel misinformation and conspiracy theories, and highlight what worked and what will be reviewed.

Retired Special Agent Brad Beeler (1999–2024) discusses his new book Tell Me Everything, recounting 25 years in the US Secret Service, including many as a polygrapher. Join us as Brad shares vivid and insightful stories - from high‑profile counterfeit cases and child‑exploitation - and explains how polygraph and interviewing techniques shaped investigations and relationships.

The episode also offers practical communication takeaways: how preparation, listening, and strategic empathy coax truth, why leaders should create safe settings for conversations, and how law‑enforcement lessons translate to everyday leadership, parenting, and negotiation.

Brad is genuine, funny and a wildly entertaining interview. You can find him and links to awesome new book below: