Shows
The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsWhen Cyber Risk Becomes Personal with Lucy BurnfordSend us a textIn this episode of The Defuse Podcast, Philip Grindell is joined by Lucy Burnford, founder of coc00n, a specialist cyber security firm protecting high-risk individuals, families, and senior leaders from targeted digital threats.Lucy works at the sharp end of personal cyber risk, where phones, messages and trusted relationships are often the way in. coc00n focuses on people rather than systems, securing personal devices, private digital lives, and the grey area where work and home overlap. Their team includes former UK government cyber specialists who once protected s...
2026-01-1251 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsPolicing, Politics and Prejudice – A Conversation with Neil Basu QPMSend us a textIn this compelling and straight-talking episode, Philip sits down with Neil Basu QPM, one of the UK’s most respected and outspoken former senior police leaders.Neil shares the lessons, frustrations, and hard truths from over 30 years in policing — from the Stephen Lawrence inquiry to counter-terrorism, leadership under political pressure, and the moral challenges of modern policing.They discuss racism within the system, the dangers of disinformation, and the human cost of service. Neil also opens up about life after leaving the Met, his book Turmoil, and why...
2025-11-111h 13The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsThe Omnipresence of Fear: Understanding Stalker Psychology with Kerry DaynesSend us a textThis episode features forensic psychologist Kerry Daynes discussing her 25-year career and expertise in stalking behaviour. Kerry transitioned from advertising plans to forensic psychology after university, despite being told it was "no job for a girl." She trained through the NHS rather than the typical prison service route.Key Professional Insights: Kerry advocates for "rational compassion" - maintaining realistic risk assessments whilst treating individuals with dignity. She argues against forcing people into neat psychological categories, emphasising that everyone requires individual understanding.Stalking vs Harassment: Stalking...
2025-10-0759 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsThe Attack Cycle with James Hamilton Part 2Send us a textSend us a textIn this compelling two-part episode, Philip Grindell welcomes back security expert James Hamilton to explore the "attack cycle" - a proven model used by criminals, terrorists, and assassins to target victims. Following the high-profile New York CEO assassination, Hamilton breaks down the eight critical phases: target selection, surveillance, final target selection, planning, rehearsal, execution, escape, and exploitation.The discussion reveals how attackers methodically progress through each stage and, crucially, how executive protection teams can identify and disrupt these phases. Hamilton shares practical insights on surveillance...
2025-07-1537 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsThe Attack Cycle with James Hamilton Part 1Send us a textIn this compelling two-part episode, Philip Grindell welcomes back security expert James Hamilton to explore the "attack cycle" - a proven model used by criminals, terrorists, and assassins to target victims. Following the high-profile New York CEO assassination, Hamilton breaks down the eight critical phases: target selection, surveillance, final target selection, planning, rehearsal, execution, escape, and exploitation.The discussion reveals how attackers methodically progress through each stage and, crucially, how executive protection teams can identify and disrupt these phases. Hamilton shares practical insights on surveillance detection, threat assessment, and creating flexible...
2025-07-0129 min
The Grayling Media Podcast[Defuse® Podcast] When Crisis Hits: The Real Cost of Getting Reputation WrongHeather Blundell (CEO, Grayling UK) and James Clothier (Head of Crisis, Grayling UK) joined Phillip Grindell to discuss how reputation management has become essential protection.Key insights: Most crisis failures stem from human behaviour under pressure, not poor messaging. Female executives face different reputation attacks requiring specific strategies. Social media breaks stories before traditional media responds. Video responses are replacing written statements as authenticity matters more than polish.Heather revealed that proactive reputation management creates a competitive advantage, not just damage limitation. The conversation covers timing challenges, the importance of an external perspective, and why...
2025-06-2657 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsWhen Crisis Hits: The Real Cost of Getting Reputation WrongSend us a textWhen Crisis Hits: The Real Cost of Getting Reputation WrongThis week's Defuse Podcast featured Heather Blundell (CEO, Grayling UK) and James Clothier (Head of Crisis) discussing how reputation management has become essential protection.Key insights: Most crisis failures stem from human behaviour under pressure, not poor messaging. Female executives face different reputation attacks requiring specific strategies. Social media breaks stories before traditional media responds. Video responses are replacing written statements as authenticity matters more than polish.Heather revealed that proactive reputation management creates a...
2025-06-0258 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsOSINT Part 2 - The Digital Lens Into Personal Security with Jon BlakeUntitled EpisodeSend us a textOSINT Part 2 - The Digital Lens Into Personal Security with Jon BlakeIn the second part, Philip and Jon delve deeper into technical aspects of OSINT and digital security:- VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): They discuss how VPNs create secure, encrypted connections through virtual "tunnels" and their benefits for security, particularly when using public Wi-Fi. They also address limitations, including potential impacts on speed and some websites detecting and blocking VPN access.- The security risks of public Wi-Fi networks, with Jon recommending always using a VPN when...
2025-05-1339 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsOSINT Part 1 - The Digital Lens Into Personal Security with Jon BlakeSend us a textOSINT Part 1 - The Digital Lens Into Personal Security with Jon BlakeIn the first part of this podcast, Philip Grindell interviews Jon Blake, a former Metropolitan Police Detective who has become an expert in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). They discuss:- Jon's background as a career detective who moved into cyber investigations, worked in covert operations, and eventually became a national internet investigation coordinator before entering the private sector in 2015.What OSINT is: Open-source intelligence refers to gathering publicly available information and processing i...
2025-04-2837 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsCountering Extremism with Guy Mathias - Part 2Send us a text"Countering Extremism with Guy Mathias" – The Defuse Podcast This two-part podcast features an in-depth conversation between Philip Grindell and Guy Mathias, a renowned security expert with extensive experience countering extremism, particularly in the pharmaceutical and research sectors.Episode SummaryIn this fascinating discussion, Guy Mathias shares insights from his distinguished career addressing extremist threats, particularly from animal rights groups in the UK during the 1980s through the 2000s. The conversation explores the evolution of extremist tactics, sophisticated intelligence gathering methods, and how organizations can...
2025-04-1451 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsCountering Extremism with Guy Mathias - Part 1Send us a text"Countering Extremism with Guy Mathias" – The Defuse Podcast This two-part podcast features an in-depth conversation between Philip Grindell and Guy Mathias, a renowned security expert with extensive experience countering extremism, particularly in the pharmaceutical and research sectors.Episode SummaryIn this fascinating discussion, Guy Mathias shares insights from his distinguished career addressing extremist threats, particularly from animal rights groups in the UK during the 1980s through the 2000s. The conversation explores the evolution of extremist tactics, sophisticated intelligence gathering methods, and how organizations can...
2025-03-3141 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsReputation Management with Andrew Sanderson – Part 2Send us a textWhat do you do when your reputation or brand is threatened?Reputation management can mean different things depending on your status. An organisation may have spent millions on developing and building its brand reputation, whilst private clients, UHNW individuals or influencers may rely on their good name to maintain their position and their wealth.Public inquiries are a subject of constant debate; they can be exhaustive, hugely detailed, politically motivated and take years to conclude. How do you protect your reputation when you're involved in such a public investigation?
2025-02-2528 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsSexual Harassment Causes Suicide with Philip GrindellSend us a textIn this, my first video recorded podcast without a guest, I’ll share why subscribing to this podcast will deliver even more value this year, with an episode every week. In this episode I’ll share my thought of the appalling circumstances that led to a young female British soldier taking her own life following a campaign of sexual harassment by not one, but two of her superiors. This case illustrates why so few cases are in fact reported, as it highlights the four reasons why vi...
2025-02-1823 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsReputation Management with Andrew Sanderson - Part 1Send us a textWhat do you do when your reputation or brand is threatened?Handling a threatened reputation requires both short-term crisis management and long-term strategic efforts to rebuild trust and credibility.This month, we speak with esteemed London lawyer Andrew Sanderson.In part 1 of the podcast, Andrew shares how and why he became a lawyer and chose to focus on his niche.Andrew debunks the myths surrounding the use of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), explains the differences between defamation, slander, and libel, and describes why and how you...
2025-02-0532 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsRight of Bang – Post Incident Lessons with Dr. Gene DeisingerSend us a textRight of Bang – Preparing for the next critical incident with Gene Deisinger Ph.D.How many times have we heard organisations tell us that they will learn the lessons from an incident? If like me, you have been involved in these post incident reviews you may also have shared my frustration of how rarely the lessons are implement and therefore lack confidence in preventing the challenges being repeated.When a traumatic incident occurs, its impact is experienced far wider than those immediately involved. Organisations, communities, health se...
2024-12-111h 05The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsRight of Bang – Post Incident Lessons with Dr. Gene DeisingerSend us a textRight of Bang – Preparing for the next critical incident with Gene Deisinger Ph.D.How many times have we heard organisations tell us that they will learn the lessons from an incident? If like me, you have been involved in these post incident reviews you may also have shared my frustration of how rarely the lessons are implement and therefore lack confidence in preventing the challenges being repeated.When a traumatic incident occurs, its impact is experienced far wider than those immediately involved. Organisations, communities, health se...
2024-12-101h 05The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsHigh Risk Workplace Behaviours with Dr. Marc McElhaneySend us a textWith the rise in disruptive and problematic workplace issues, this month we talk with Dr. Marc McElhaney, CEO of Critical Response Associates based out of Atlanta, Georgia.In this podcast Marc shares decades of experience of investigating and defusing problems within corporations.He discusses how the term ‘workplace violence’ is unhelpful, how identifying behaviours of concern early and dealing with them help stop make the workplace a safer place and protects companies from incidence of violence, lawsuits, reputational harm, and a decline in performance.Marc shares his expe...
2024-11-1255 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsMartyn’s Law – Better Protection from Terrorism with Figen MurraySend us a textOn the 22nd May 2017, Figen Murray’s life as she knew it changed forever.Her son, Martyn Hett, was one of the 22 people killed in the devastating Manchester Arena terrorist attack.The acts of kindness and support that followed the tragic loss of Martyn Hett in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing highlight the strength of community in times of grief.Figen's advocacy for peace and positive change, rather than succumbing to anger, is truly inspiring. In memory of Martyn, Figen led the call for Martyn's Law, aiming to en...
2024-10-081h 09The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsThe Trigger Points - Inside the mission to stop mass shootings in America with Mark FollmanSend us a textThis podcast provides an insight into the causes and possible solutions of mass attacks in the US. In this podcast Mark discusses:Importance of Talking to AttackersKey Elements of Threat AssessmentChallenges in Reporting ThreatsThe Role of Social Media in Threat AssessmentThe Importance of Human Connection in Threat AssessmentMark discusses his recent investigative project on Elliot Rodger, the perpetrator of the Isla Vista mass shooting in 2014, and how his ongoing relationship with Elliot’s mother.He explains the unique aspects of Elliot's case, including his skill at hiding his...
2024-09-051h 05The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsImproving Personal Safety with the Power of Awareness with Dan SchillingSend us a textWith the The Power of Awareness you can change your approach to personal safety from passive bystander to becoming your own personal safety expert.Your personal safety is your responsibility and no one else’s. That is a simple fact. And the two foundations your safety stands upon are possessing situational awareness and listening to your intuition. The first can be developed and improved. The second is a million years of self-preservation that is already speaking to you, in a tiny voice, if you listen.New York Tim...
2024-08-121h 00The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsFamily Office Risk Management with Edward V MarshallSend us a textThe Defuse Podcast – Family Office Risk Management with Edward V MarshallFrom December 2023 to January 2024, Dentons, led by Edward Marshall, surveyed over 200 family office respondents from 33 countries worldwide, comparing the findings to the earlier research published in 2020. This survey went further than before by examining various types of family offices based on region, net worth, organisation, and maturity.Participants included family members, C-suite executives, investment professionals, and other family office staff, providing a comprehensive overview of how family offices manage risk in their operations and investments.This podcast di...
2024-07-0954 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsPsychology 101 Part 2 – Psychopaths, sociopaths, pathology, Fixation and the impact of Social Media with Dr Caroline LoganSend us a textIn this episode, part 2 of the series, we expand on the discussion of the psychological terms and learn about psychopathy, how high functioning psychopaths become CEOs, politicians and leaders, the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths, the impact that social media and the internet has on mental health. Caroline Logan is a Consultant Forensic Clinical Psychologist. For nearly 30 years, she has worked as a researcher and honorary senior lecturer at the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester in the UK, as a lead clinician in secure forensic mental health services in t...
2024-06-0956 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsPsychology 101 - Part 1 - Demystifying Psychological Labels: A Deep Dive into Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Personality Disorders with Dr. Caroline LoganSend us a textIn this episode, the first of a two part series, we learn about what exactly a psychologist is and the differences between a Clinical and a Forensic Psychologist. Dr. Caroline Logan, who is a Consultant Forensic Clinical Psychologist, talks to us about the meaning of psychological terms such as personality disorders such as narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, whether they are the product of nature or nurture and how those affected behave.Dr. Caroline Logan is a Consultant Forensic Clinical Psychologist. For nearly 30 years, she has worked as...
2024-05-121h 09The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsBehavioural Threat Assessment – a political and commercial insight with Bill ZimmermanSend us a textBill Zimmerman has spent over 35 years analysing and managing threats. He started out in the fledgling Threat Assessment team of the US Capital Police shortly after its creation and, having spent over 20 years there, moved into the private sector on his retirement from law enforcement, where he continues to be a leader in the field of Behavioural Threat Assessment. Despite his long career, Bill is one of the humblest men you will have the pleasure of meeting. He is a fountain of knowledge and expertise, and in this podcast, he shares some of...
2024-04-091h 11The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsCrisis Communication with Giles Kenningham MBESend us a textGiles Kenningham is an expert in crisis communication. A former journalist who honed his skills at the sharp end of politics as the strategic advisor to Prime Minister David Cameron shares his thoughts on the relevant issues. In this podcast, we look back at his time in politics, and the Covid pandemic. We then discuss how his consultancy, Trafalgar Strategy, advises their clients, understanding the traps and opportunities, guiding them away from a crisis or helping them avoid one in the first place.Some of the key questions Giles...
2024-03-1057 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsMind Management and Psychological Health with Tracey JonesSend us a textBeing wealthy, prominent, and successful doesn’t mean all your problems disappear. A study co-funded by the Gates Foundation published in the Wall Street Journal found that many of the ‘Ultra-rich’ turn out to be a generally dissatisfied lot whose money has contributed to deep anxieties involving love, work, and family. Being the subject of reputationally harmful and sometimes untrue media stories, harassed by trolls and stalked by fixated people causes paranoia and hypervigilance, which can harm decision-making and drive people towards unhealthy behaviours. When that occurs, they turn to Tracey Jones. Tracey is a m...
2024-02-121h 00The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsBeing Elite with former SAS soldier Guy BatchelorSend us a textIn this podcast, the first of 2024 we delve into what It really takes to be an elite performer with Guy Batchelor.Guy is the CEO and founder of Minerva Elite, an elite global risk management service.Minerva Elite is a highly professional and effective risk management and resilience consultancy formed to provide clients with a competitive advantage and bespoke solutions to their security needs.Guy founded Minerva Elite having left the British Army, having served for 18 years in the world-renowned and elite 22 Special Air Service...
2024-01-151h 03The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsThreat Assessment and Stalking – An Expert Perspective with Gabrielle ThompsonSend us a textThis month's very special guest is Gabrielle Thompson, PI, CPP. I am delighted to have Gabby as our Christmas guest. Gabby has recently announced that after a glittering 25-year career at Gavin de Becker & Associates (GDBA), she has decided to move on and seek new opportunities.During her time with GDBA, Gabby acted as the firm's subject matter expert on threat assessment by handling high-risk and critical cases, including inappropriate pursuit, stalking, threats, and harassment, and overseeing threat assessment programs for at-risk individuals. She also le...
2023-12-1247 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsSocial engineering, digital exploitation and cyber targeting with Benjamin BarrontineSend us a textThe Defuse Podcast with Benjamin Barrontine – Social engineering, digital exploitation and cyber targeting. In an increasingly digital age staying safe requires an understanding of how adversaries operate in order to build an operational system that works. In this podcast we hear from an expert who has used social engineering, digital exploitation and cyber targeting offensively when targeting enemy forces and terrorists in covert combat operations and now uses his expertise defensively when protecting his global clients. Benjamin Barrontine spent 15 years in the...
2023-11-131h 00The Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsDe-mystifying doing business in the Middle East with Corina GoetzSend us a textThis month’s podcast is all about doing business in the Gulf region. For many people, the Gulf region is an unexploited opportunity. It is a culture that is perceived to be at odds with the West. Corina is an expert in the region and shares with us her wisdom in unravelling the perceived complexities and making doing business more approachable. What is it like doing business in the Gulf region as a woman? Is it even possible? Do you need to speak Arabic?I’m not in the...
2023-10-1051 minThe Defuse Podcast: Where Experts Defuse Real ThreatsFundamentals in Behavioural Threat Management with Jameson RitterSend us a textIn this podcast we speak with Jameson Ritter, there are only 200 individuals globally that have the same level of qualifications as Jameson when it comes to threat assessments.Jameson has recently published his excellent book titled “This Book Saves Lives: 10 Steps to Building a Threat Management Program in Your Organization, Prevent Workplace Violence, and Take Care of Your People”We discuss what Jameson has learned from the qualifications he has acquired, in particular ATAP’s Certified Threat Managers, the CTM and how what he learned is relevant to those of us...
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