Outside the Secret Service Podcast

Joining us for this episode is Randy Sowell, archivist of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, whose knowledge and perspective help bring this remarkable chapter of Secret Service history to life. On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists launched a brazen assassination attempt against President Harry S. Truman outside Blair House, the temporary presidential residence across from the White House. What followed was a violent gun battle that placed White House Police officers and Secret Service agents in a fight for the President's life. In this episode of Outside the Secret Service, we revisit the events of that extraordinary day, examining the actions and contributions of the men who confronted the attackers. We remember White House Police Officer Leslie Coffelt, who, despite suffering mortal wounds, delivered the decisive shot that helped bring the assault to an end. We also explore the capture and prosecution of the surviving attacker and the lasting legal and security implications of the attack.

Retired Special Agent in Charge Nick Steen joins the podcast this week for a fascinating conversation about a career spanning decades in state and federal law enforcement.  Steen shares stories from his early days with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, his transition to the Secret Service, assignments in the Polygraph Division, and his service on presidential protection details - including his time as Special Agent in Charge of the former President Jimmy Carter Detail. Nick takes us behind the scenes with frontline memories from the White House in the wake of 9/11, protecting President Carter, navigating high-tension campaign rallies, and the unique challenges and realities of working on small protective details. This episode offers a candid look at the human side of protection work, the lessons learned over decades in the field, and why the job stays with agents long after they turn in their badge.

Retired Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Paul Eckloff spent over 22 years in the US Secret Service. In this episode of OTSS, we get a glimpse into his multiple tenures of service on the President's Detail as well as his time in recruitment and public affairs. Buckle up for an unfiltered and often hilarious look at life on the job as Paul shares candid anecdotes from White House access control, international advances, training, and memorable pranks and celebrity encounters. We also tackle the challenges regarding recruitment and retention in the Secret Service. #OperationSwaggerBack Paul currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Relations for LexisNexis Risk Solutions while occasionally sparring with news anchors and panel hosts on cable news. Here's a recent session (referenced in our episode) with a CNN anchor where the word "naive" may or may not have been invoked by Paul at around the 4min mark: https://youtu.be/i0ZtZP_ylv8?si=GPj_ETxD_OJtK2GS  Here's a link to his creative, hilarious, and informative YouTube Page, Fraud House Rock: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWKytWMs4bBrG_fJFCIFF5Q Here's where you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauleckloff/ 

On this episode of OTSS, we hear from Retired Assistant Director, Mike Centrella. Mike is kind enough to share insights from 25-year Secret Service career. Fresh from college, Mike was part of the Young Agent Program in the New York Field Office and was to the Islamic terror attacks on 9/11. His career presented leadership roles in protective intelligence, investigations, inspection, the Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Office, then back to headquarters where he oversaw the agency's investigative mission. Mike offers insights into making the most of a career (regardless of your assignment), his transition to cybersecurity in the private sector, and his continued connection to the Service through family and colleagues. He has been described as "an agent's agent" and "a great boss". Both are high praise in the ranks of the Secret Service.

Retired Resident Agent in Charge Hazel Cerra recounts her 26-year Secret Service career—from training and fieldwork in Newark and Philadelphia to the Clinton detail and leading the Atlantic City office. She discusses recruiting innovations, evolving investigations from physical skimming to network intrusions, and her transition into the digital security space at Black Cloak. The episode highlights adaptive leadership, resilience, and practical advice for new agents, showing how Secret Service methods apply to modern cyber threats and personal digital protection. You'll also hear, first hand, how the Secret Service brand and culture calls you to be accountable to those who came before you and responsible for those who come after.