Time to Head North

Life After Prison: How Discipline and Fitness Transformed This Man’s Life w/ Anthony Autry

Welcome to Time to Head North, hosted by Vince Vargas and brought to you by The North Group – Security Refined by Intelligence.

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Autry, a man who turned his life around after years of addiction, crime, and incarceration. From growing up in Los Angeles to struggling with substance abuse and facing time in federal prison, Anthony shares his powerful story of transformation. Today, he dedicates his life to helping men break free from addiction, rebuild their lives, and become the best version of themselves.

We dive into:

- How addiction and bad decisions led to a downward spiral

- The harsh realities of prison life and the lessons learned inside

- The parallels between veterans, law enforcement, and ex-convicts

- The power of discipline, fitness, and accountability in personal transformation

- The importance of brotherhood and purpose in a man’s life

This episode is packed with insights on resilience, mental toughness, and finding purpose. If you're struggling to get your life back on track or looking for motivation to push through tough times, this conversation is for you.

Follow Anthony Autry:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unchained_fit/?hl=en

Like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on self-improvement, security, and leadership.

How to Stay Safe in Dangerous Situations: Real-Life Lessons

Welcome to Time to Head North, hosted by Vince Vargas and brought to you by The North Group – Security Refined by Intelligence.

In this episode, we take a real-world approach to self-defense, personal safety, and situational awareness by analyzing viral security incidents caught on camera. From road rage shootings to street fights and public altercations, we break down what went wrong, what could have been avoided, and how to protect yourself in similar situations.

Whether you carry concealed, train in self-defense, or just want to improve your situational awareness, this episode will give you real insights into how to react, when to disengage, and how to stay safe in unpredictable situations.

Topics Covered:

- Road rage incidents and justified self-defense

- The importance of emotional intelligence in heated situations

- When and how to disengage from a potential threat

- How martial arts and training can prepare you for self-defense

- The legal consequences of using force in public altercations

Have a viral security video you want me to analyze? Drop a comment or send it in, and we will break it down in an upcoming episode.

Subscribe for more expert insights on security, self-defense, and personal protection.

For more information about The North Group’s world-class security services — ranging from corporate and personal security to intelligence solutions — visit TNGDefense.com.

How Cartels Are Expanding Into Cybercrime, Human Trafficking, and Warfare w/ Daniel Brunner

Welcome back to The Time to Head North Podcast, brought to you by TNG Defense—Security Refined by Intelligence. In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Brunner, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades of experience in national security, law enforcement, and counterterrorism.

Dan’s career spans nine years in the U.S. Navy, followed by 20 years with the FBI, where he specialized in international and domestic terrorism, as well as Hispanic organized crime. He was a founding member of Joint Task Force Vulcan, a unit dedicated to dismantling MS-13 and other transnational criminal organizations.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

- The U.S. Government’s recent designation of cartels as terrorist organizations

- The evolving threats from groups like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua

- How cartels are expanding into cybercrime, human trafficking, and financial fraud

- The role of Chinese influence in Latin America and its impact on U.S. security

- The growing threat of drone warfare and how cartels are adapting to modern combat tactics

- ICE raids and their impact on law enforcement operations in the U.S.

- What everyday Americans need to know about personal security in an evolving threat landscape

 

Dan also shares practical security advice for families, business owners, and law enforcement officers navigating these challenges.

 

Want to learn more from Dan? Check out  his website https://brunnersierragroup.com/

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights on security, intelligence, and personal protection.

Protecting Schools: Insights into Security Programs and Tactical Training w/ Ben Jacklin

Welcome to another episode of the Time to Head North Podcast, brought to you by The North Group, where security is refined by intelligence. In this episode, host Vincent Vargas sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ben Jacklin. Together, they revisit their days in the Del Rio sector as Border Patrol agents and dive into Ben’s extensive career in tactical security. From his beginnings in the Marine Corps to his time with BORTAC and now in corporate and school security, Ben shares invaluable insights about tactical training, leadership, and the evolution of security practices.

Tune in as they discuss pivotal moments, such as responding to real-life missions, navigating the challenges of law enforcement, and even the creative methods they used in the field to maintain stealth. Ben also details his role in the Texas School Marshal Program and how it’s shaping school security post-Uvalde. If you’re passionate about security, law enforcement, or hearing stories of resilience and adaptability, this episode is for you.

Brought to you by: The North Group - Your trusted partner for personal, corporate, and security intelligence solutions.

Listen in to hear more about:

• Ben Jacklin’s journey from the Marine Corps to executive security roles.
• What makes BORTAC training one of the best in the world.
• How creative thinking saved the day in tactical operations.
• The Texas School Marshal Program and its impact on safety.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into the world of security and tactical excellence.

How to Secure Your Home Like a Pro: Essential Home Security Tips for Families w/ Byron Rogers

Dive into an engaging conversation with Byron Rogers and the Time to Head North podcast, brought to you by TNG Defense – Security Refined by Intelligence. In this episode, Byron shares his incredible journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a leader in executive protection and private security. Learn how he built his career, launched Bravo Research Group, and became a Knight of Malta, all while developing groundbreaking security strategies.

 

This episode is packed with actionable insights for personal, corporate, and home security. From layered defense strategies and emergency management plans to leveraging cutting-edge technology like Deep Sentinel, Byron breaks down how to protect your loved ones and property effectively. Whether you’re a professional in the security field or just want to enhance your family’s safety, this discussion offers practical tips and expert advice.

Stay tuned as Byron shares stories from the field, discusses the evolving landscape of security, and provides a fresh perspective on how preparation can build confidence in today’s unpredictable world.

 

Podcast Topics:

- Byron Rogers’ path to executive protection

- The importance of layered home security

- Emergency management plans for families

- Leveraging technology like AI-driven cameras and alarm systems

- Insights for school security and active shooter response

- How preparation fosters confidence and safety

 

Learn more about T&G Defense: https://tngdefense.com/

Connect with Byron Rogers: https://www.instagram.com/byronrodgers2.0/

 

#security #securitytips

How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Scams, Identity Theft and Deepfakes w/ Ricoh Danielson

Welcome to another episode of Time to Head North, the podcast where we explore critical topics in security and intelligence, brought to you by The North Group — security refined by intelligence. In today’s episode, host Vincent Vargas sits down with Ricoh Danielson, a U.S. Army combat veteran, former private military contractor, and cybersecurity expert. With extensive experience ranging from combat deployments to sophisticated cyber threat mitigation, Ricoh provides invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of security.

This conversation dives deep into:

- The rise of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals and how to identify red flags.

- The growing threat of deepfake technology and its use in fraudulent schemes.

- How scammers exploit platforms like LinkedIn to target businesses and individuals.

- Practical steps to protect yourself and your organization from cyber threats.

- Real-life examples of cybersecurity breaches and lessons learned.

Ricoh also shares his journey from military service in Iraq and Afghanistan to a career in cybersecurity, where he now advises companies and individuals on protecting their digital assets. Whether you’re concerned about personal identity theft, securing your family’s online presence, or safeguarding corporate systems, this episode provides actionable advice tailored for everyone — from casual internet users to high-level executives.

We also explore the human side of cybersecurity: how loneliness and vulnerability can make individuals easy targets for scammers, and what steps you can take to build resilience against such exploitation.

If you’ve ever wondered how to spot fake profiles, prevent online fraud, or protect yourself against deepfake technology, this episode is for you. Join us as we uncover the tactics of cybercriminals and provide you with the tools to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world.

For more information about The North Group’s world-class security services — ranging from corporate and personal security to intelligence solutions — visit TNGDefense.com.

Subscribe to Time to Head North for more episodes on security, intelligence, and actionable insights to protect what matters most.

Reach out to Ricoh Danielson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricoh_danielson_/

Website: https://www.ricohd.us/

How Veterans Are Transforming Cities: Community Security Redefined w/ Rob Dyer

In this powerful episode of the Time to Head North Podcast, host Vince Vargas sits down with Rob, a military veteran and the founder of a groundbreaking security company that is transforming how communities approach safety. Unlike traditional security firms that focus solely on contracts and guard posts, Rob’s company embraces a community-first mindset, creating real, measurable change in neighborhoods.

Rob shares his personal journey, from serving as a Marine Corps F-18 backseater and working with special operations units to tackling challenges in the intelligence community and eventually launching his own security firm. His mission? To redefine security by building vibrant, safe communities through unconventional methods and an unwavering commitment to human connection.

This episode offers insights into:

- The failures of traditional security approaches and why a shift is needed

- How Rob’s company employs Afghan refugees and U.S. veterans to create meaningful, impactful jobs

- Real-life examples of neglected city blocks transformed into thriving business districts

- The importance of collaboration between security teams, local police, and community members

- Why redefining security means focusing on the "five senses" to measure community vibrancy

Rob’s approach combines innovation with empathy, creating a security model that’s about more than guards and surveillance—it’s about restoring trust and fostering growth. Learn how his team builds relationships with everyone from local business owners to the unhoused, creating safer environments for all.

Whether you're a business owner, a veteran, or simply someone interested in how safety impacts community development, this episode will inspire you to think differently about the role of security in our society.

Tune in to hear Rob’s story, his vision for the future of security, and the incredible impact his company is making.

Stoicism: A Tactical Tool for Crisis Management w/ Brady Pesola

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 isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a practical framework for understanding and managing your emotions without being ruled by them. As Brady explains, reacting under the influence of emotion can be as dangerous as acting under the influence of substances, leading to poor judgment and undesirable outcomes. By focusing on what you can control and learning to pause between stimulus and response, Stoicism equips you to make clear-headed decisions, even in the toughest moments.

The episode also delves into the practicalities of preparedness and family safety. Vincent and Brady share actionable strategies for protecting your loved ones, including:

• Developing a family safety mindset.
• Creating survival plans tailored to your environment.
• Building strong relationships with neighbors as part of a community defense strategy.
• Identifying potential assets and liabilities in your immediate surroundings.

Learn how to prepare mentally, emotionally, and logistically for life’s unexpected challenges. Whether it’s securing your home, responding to a personal crisis, or fostering resilience in your family, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to keep you ready for anything.

This podcast is brought to you by The North Group: Security Refined by Intelligence. For world-class corporate and personal security solutions, visit tngdefense.com.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• The importance of emotional control in decision-making.
• Stoicism as a mental framework for stress and crisis management.
• Practical steps to enhance personal and family security.
• How to build a community network for mutual safety and support.

Don't miss this episode if you're looking for actionable insights to improve your preparedness, strengthen your mindset, and safeguard your family in uncertain times.

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TTHN053: Fairwell Tash!

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 Families. This non-profit organization offers life-changing relationship skills to Military, Veteran, and First Responder families so they can be strong and thrive. Throughout the conversation, Steve and Natasha delve into veterans' daily internal struggles and the things they have to live with. Tash was an awesome part of our team and we will miss her a ton!

TTHN052: Fallen Heroes Project

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 shares his incredible stories of bravery and resilience, recounts his journey of finding purpose after the war, and reveals how art saved his soul and became a beacon of hope and healing for so many.