Outside the Secret Service Podcast

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/ 

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.

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!

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.

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 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

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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 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    

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