Outside the Secret Service Podcast - OTSecretService

Latest Episodes:

028 - Barry Spodak and the birth of Behavior Threat Assessment Training Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

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

027 - Former Special Agent Brian Lewis Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

026 - Retired Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge Sean Quarmby Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

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!

025 - Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Charlie White Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

024 - Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert "Bobby Mac" McDonald Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

023 - Retired Deputy Chief of the Secret Service Uniformed Division Catrina Bonus Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

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

022 - Former Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge Jerome Pickett Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

021 - Retired Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge John Constantine Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

020 - UNGA. A special look at the role of the US Secret Service in securing New York City for the annual UN General Assembly Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

019 - Retired Assistant to the Special Agent in Charge Frank Kelley Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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.

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