Time to Head North

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.

TTHN051: Humanitarian Express, Delivering Hope to Ukraine's Front Lines

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we delve into the incredible efforts of Humanitarian Express, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering crucial aid to those on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Hear a firsthand account from the founder, veteran Randy Luten, on the volunteers braving dangerous conditions to provide medical supplies, food, and support to those in need. Discover the impact of their work and the challenges they face in bringing hope and relief to the war-torn region.

TTHN050: Election Unrest? Harnessing Intelligence to Predict and Prevent Violence.

This week’s Time to Head North episode features a conversation with Dr. Treston Wheat, a renowned intelligence expert, analyst, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. The North Group’s CEO, Steve Hernandez, also joins us. The discussion delves into the complexities of predicting violence around the upcoming elections, highlighting the crucial role of intelligence in determining the probability of a disruption. Dr. Wheat emphasizes the importance of public and private partnerships in ensuring security and stability, discussing how collaboration between these sectors can enhance the accuracy of predictions and improve preparedness for potential unrest.

TTHN049: Make Your Steps Count – ASIS Foundation’s Fitness Challenge

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

TTHN048: Surviving an Active Shooter, a First-Hand Experience

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

TTHN047: Beyond Borders: Mastering Travel Safety

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

TTHN046: A Magical Translation

In this week’s episode of Time to Head North, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Carlos Francisco, a seasoned professional who has held pivotal roles in security management at Disney and now serves as the Regional Security Director for Meta. Widely known as the Corporate Security Translator, Carlos is known for his expertise, as showcased through his best-selling book and engaging podcast, where he aids individuals in transitioning into the security sector. Throughout our conversation, we delved into various topics, including the significance of adopting a customer-centric approach with security agents and the increasingly critical need to integrate cyber and physical security strategies in today's digital landscape.