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...

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 h...

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...

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...

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...

Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Mike Nason walks us through his 27-year Secret Service career, from small‑town resident agent assignments and protective details to counter surveillance operations, inspections, and media relations. He takes us behind the scenes of the infamous shoe-throwing incident in Baghdad involving Former President Bush, campaign improvisation, and explains how technology, recruitment, and agency culture shaped his service.

Mike offers deep insights on the rewards and strains of the job, lessons learned about leadership, accountability, work‑life balance, and why the agency’s people and traditions still matter as he moves into retire...

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 e...

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 l...

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 S...

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.<...

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...

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...

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...

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 i...

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...

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 h...

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" o...

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" o...

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...

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...

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

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...

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

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. 

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.

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...

A preview of our soon to be released weekly podcast.