The Secure Family Podcast

CSM Bart Womack on Surviving Betrayal and Practicing Proactive Situational Awareness Host Andy speaks with retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack about his book, "Embedded Enemy," recounting the March 2003 Camp Pennsylvania insider attack in Kuwait. Womack describes the chaos of responding in darkness with limited ammo and visibility, coordinating security, casualty collection, evacuation and ultimately identifying and apprehending Sgt. Hasan Akbar. He shares how the incident reshaped his concept of trust and outlines proactive situational awareness strategies—trust analysis, observe/listen/report, "listen don't just hear," know your neighbor/coworkers, gut checks, and recognizing signs—using examples from schools, social media threats, and everyday suspicious behavior. For more from Command Sergeant Major Bart Womack visit: https://bartwomack.com/ Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome 02:04 Meet CSM Bart Womack 03:24 Kuwait Night Begins 05:30 Explosions in the Tent 08:39 No Ammo Response 11:57 Chaos and Casualties 18:32 Suspect Identified 20:38 Akbar Captured 26:20 Aftermath and Losses 29:53 Lessons Under Fire 37:28 Trust Shattered 44:12 Diary Reveals Motive 46:22 Trust No One 50:14 Proactive Awareness Basics 51:25 School Shooter Reality Check 53:49 Observe Listen Report 57:57 Know Your Neighbor 01:02:55 Listen Dont Just Hear 01:10:35 Gut Check And Signs 01:16:07 Closing Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

How Your Data Is Collected, Sold, and Used—and What You Can Do About It In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy explains how a vast personal data economy collects, combines, and sells information about people - fueling targeted marketing and enabling scams, stalking, and harassment. He cites examples and reporting on government agencies purchasing access to location data and the expansion of vehicle-tracking databases, and recounts cases where people-search sites were used to target victims. He also warns that old real-estate listing photos can expose home layouts and explains how to remove listing photos from major platforms. Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to the Show 02:08 The Hidden Data Economy 04:01 What Data Brokers Collect 06:41 Where Your Data Comes From 09:02 Apps and Location Tracking 10:55 License Plate Reader Networks 12:58 Why It Matters in Real Life 15:34 Your Home Photos Online 17:30 Practical Privacy Steps 19:02 Kids and Digital Footprints 22:13 Final Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

The Waffle House Index and Other Ways to Know You're In Trouble In this episode, Andy talks with preparedness expert Sam Amyett of MAD Gear, who emphasizes true preparedness as making realistic plans rather than simply collecting gear. They discuss balancing preparedness with anxiety through calm family leadership, normalizing drills, and using confident language. This way when things go wrong, everyone feels confident they can do their part. And then they talk about Waffle House. Find out more about Sam and MAD Gear: https://madgear.shop/ Upgrade Your Radio with an antenna from ZBM2 Industries. Use discount code SECURE for 15% off your order at https://zbm2industries.com Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Show Introduction 02:32 Meet Sam Amyett 04:03 Planning Over Gear 04:52 Three Core Family Plans 06:05 Evacuation Triggers 08:23 Waffle House Index 09:28 Preparedness Without Anxiety 13:09 Common Mistakes and Triggers 16:01 Budgeting Time and Money 18:48 Research Local Risks 21:12 Black Swan Planning 22:40 Backup Comms Basics 23:26 Three Layer Comms Plan 25:29 GMRS Practice Matters 28:13 Everyday Prep Essentials 30:25 Phone Tools Offline 32:24 First Aid Over Gear 32:59 Food Storage Reality 34:27 Where To Find Mad Gear 36:05 Wrap Up And Final Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

No Bars, No Fees, No Problem: Understanding Meshtastic Andy from The Secure Family Podcast sits down with Sam Amyett from MAD Gear for an unfiltered bonus conversation about one of the nerdiest, coolest, and occasionally most frustrating communication tools around: Meshtastic. This isn't a polished tutorial. It's two guys who love radios, preparedness, and experimenting with gear talking honestly about what makes Meshtastic awesome and what makes you want to throw your node across the yard. If you've ever wondered why grown adults get excited about little antennas talking to each other across town, this episode will make a lot of sense. And if you've already gone down the Meshtastic rabbit hole, you'll definitely recognize a few of these stories. Find out more about Sam and MAD Gear: https://madgear.shop/ Upgrade Your Radio with an antenna from ZBM2 Industries. Use discount code SECURE for 15% off your order at https://zbm2industries.com Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Meshtastic in Plain English 02:02 How Mesh Networks Hop 03:37 Why It Beats Cell Texting 05:15 Range Reality Check 06:55 Boosting Range Basics 08:56 Device Types Explained 13:22 All-in-One vs Phone App 15:30 Web Client and Remote Nodes 18:02 Best Starter Gear Picks 19:28 Propagation Testing Basics 20:45 Out of Box Nodes 21:00 Building a Local Mesh 22:14 From Rural to Austin 23:40 Be the Network Builder 24:46 MQTT Explained Simply 25:47 MQTT Tradeoffs and Noise 28:32 Private MQTT Chat Rooms 31:12 Advice for Beginners 33:47 The Standard Device Dream 34:52 Baofeng Mesh Mod Ideas 37:42 Where to Find Mad Gear 38:32 Coast to Coast Wrap Up The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

Roblox and Online Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know Andy Murphy of The Secure Family Podcast discusses Roblox as a popular, user-generated gaming universe that offers creativity and learning but carries serious online safety risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, and documented patterns of grooming and exploitation. He also raises concerns about age verification methods (facial estimation/ID checks), including coercion and bypass loopholes, and emphasizes ongoing parent-child conversations and digital boundary discussions. This is episode 365 of The Secure Family Podcast. You could listen to a different episode everyday for a year! Level Up your parenting with my ebook about protecting your kids while gaming online. Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome and Mission 01:03 Data Broker Scam Warning 02:04 Roblox Risks Overview 03:04 What Roblox Is 04:29 Dark Side Examples 06:02 Kidnapping Case Study 07:26 Lawsuits and Legal Heat 08:55 Expert Take on Roblox 10:22 How Grooming Works 13:06 Cyberbullying Risks 13:49 Parental Controls Reality 14:33 Chat Workarounds 16:19 Age Verification Concerns 18:53 Family Rules That Work 19:40 Reset Boundaries This Week 20:35 Wrap Up and Resources The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned. All rights reserved.

Privacy, AI, and Surveillance with Matt Sailor In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy Murphy chats with Matt Sailor, founder and CEO of IC Realtime, about privacy realities in modern home surveillance. They discuss a key misconception: with many DIY Wi‑Fi cameras, footage and usage data are processed offsite, meaning consumers may not truly control their data. The conversation covers deceptive opt-in/opt-out practices for data sharing, freemium models that charge users who opt out, and the difference between 'not selling' data versus sharing or trading access, including aggregated geographic datasets that can still include individual contributions. They also touch on public-space camera concerns, including ALPR cameras and neighborhood-sharing features marketed for community benefits like finding lost dogs. For more from Matt Sailor and IC Realtime: https://icrealtime.com/ Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to The Secure Family Podcast 02:01 Meet Matt Saylor: Surveillance Industry Veteran 02:53 From VHS to AI: What "AI" Really Means in Modern Surveillance 08:18 Cloud Computing, Metadata & Why User Data Is So Valuable 10:26 Do You Really Own Your Camera Footage? DIY Cloud Cameras Explained 13:08 Wired vs Wi‑Fi Cameras: Security, Hacking Risks & Wi‑Fi Jammers 16:18 The Real "Price" of Security Data: Google-Style Behavior Mining 20:23 Opt-In vs Opt-Out 24:23 Where NOT to Put Cameras 26:42 Smart Speakers & the Rise of "Privacy-First" Home Automation 28:09 "We Don't Sell Your Data" vs Sharing, Trading & Re-Identifying It 31:02 Buying a Safer Home Surveillance System 32:49 Public ALPR Cameras 36:33 The Future Home Surveillance 43:27 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned.

AI Scams: Protecting Your Family In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy discusses how artificial intelligence is being used by scammers to target unsuspecting individuals and families. The episode details a recent scam in which AI-generated images were used to trick a couple into believing their lost dog needed emergency surgery. Andy explains the advanced techniques being used, such as AI-generated voices and personalized messages, and provides practical steps to verify emergencies, protect digital data, and educate elderly family members about these threats. The episode underscores the importance of being skeptical and maintaining digital privacy in an era where AI scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and hard to detect. Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to The Secure Family Podcast 00:45 The Rise of AI in Scams 01:07 Privacy Concerns and Data Brokers 02:11 AI-Generated Scams: Real-Life Examples 06:33 Voice Cloning and Virtual Kidnappings 09:41 Protecting Yourself from AI Scams 16:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Content The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned.

Navigating Tough Conversations In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy discusses the vital role of parents in safeguarding their families and emphasizes the importance of having open, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations with children. Special guest Jeff Hittner, founder of Ambitious Dads, shares his insights from over 25 years of coaching leaders and fathers. Jeff discusses how modern fatherhood involves succeeding at both work and home, and the necessity of continuous dialogue with children. Key topics include overcoming discomfort in discussing difficult subjects, the impact of parental anxiety on kids, and strategies to build a culture of communication at home. Jeff also suggests practical tools and methods like using ChatGPT for preparing conversations and establishing consistent family rituals to create an environment where critical discussions are a natural part of family life. For more from Jeff Hittner: https://www.ambitiousdads.com/ Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to The Secure Family Podcast 01:07 The Importance of Privacy and Data Protection 02:02 Introducing Jeff Hittner: Leadership and Fatherhood Expert 02:45 The Role of Fathers in Modern Parenting 05:09 Navigating Big Conversations with Your Kids 08:14 Overcoming the Fear of Difficult Topics 24:42 Creating a Culture of Communication at Home 32:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned.

In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, Andy focuses on empowering parents with practical advice for parking lots. He covers the importance of parking lot awareness, identifying habitual and transitional spaces, practical tips for reducing distractions, and strategies for safe vehicle entry and exit. Andy also discusses how to make a car less attractive for a criminal, information you need in advance if your car is stolen, and the best practices for handling children while loading up. Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to The Secure Family Podcast 01:07 Understanding the Importance of Privacy 02:11 The Hidden Dangers of Parking Lots 05:23 Practical Tips for Parking Lot Safety 08:44 Protecting Your Car and Valuables 11:47 Safety Tips for Parents with Kids 14:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways 15:19 Closing Remarks The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned.

"Prepare for a Disaster, and You'll Never Experience One." - Disaster Patrick In this episode of The Secure Family Podcast, host Andy is joined by Disaster Patrick, an emergency preparedness expert, to discuss family disaster preparedness. They talk about the importance of involving all family members in preparedness, the innovative projects Patrick is working on, such as building the first FEMA-rated hurricane shelter from Lego blocks, and practical strategies like using a disaster backpack instead of traditional written plans. Patrick emphasizes the significance of treating preparedness as a fun and empowering activity for everyone, including children. Key topics include making evacuation decisions, psychological preparedness, and the philosophy that proper preparation can prevent experiencing a disaster. He also introduces the 30-day challenge for families to prepare their disaster backpacks step-by-step. For more from Patrick, check out: https://disasterpatrick.com/ Take control of your data with DeleteMe. Because they sponsor the podcast you can get 20% off a privacy plan from DeleteMe with promo code: DAD. Connect 📧 Subscribe to The Secure Dad emails 📸 Follow The Secure Dad on Instagram 📺 Subscribe to The Secure Dad on YouTube 🖥️ Visit The Secure Dad Website 00:00 Welcome to The Secure Family Podcast 01:00 New Year, New Digital Life 02:07 Introducing Disaster Patrick 03:06 Making Disaster Preparedness Fun 04:06 Building a LEGO Hurricane Shelter 08:56 Creating Realistic Disaster Plans 18:33 Psychological Preparedness 22:48 The Philosophy of Disaster Preparedness 24:09 Redefining Disasters: A New Perspective 26:42 Real-Life Examples of Resilience 28:48 The Importance of Mindset During Disasters 32:14 Evacuation vs. Sheltering in Place 38:58 Empowering Families for Disaster Preparedness 41:03 Patrick's Online Presence and Resources 43:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Secure Dad, LLC. The Secure Dad LLC makes every effort to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content in this podcast or any related materials. Information may change over time, and inadvertent errors or omissions may occur. The Secure Dad LLC is not liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from the use of, or reliance on, any information provided. The Secure Dad® is a registered trademark of The Secure Dad, LLC. This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, a commission may be earned.