Episodes

Tuesday May 31, 2022
When Do I Know I Might Be Attacked; and When Should I Consider Responding?
Tuesday May 31, 2022
Tuesday May 31, 2022
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 50, When Do I Know I Might Be Attacked; and When Should I Consider Responding?
My buddy from high school inspired this episode when he asked, "How do you know when it is time to go?"
What he means is how do you know when you should engage and maybe throw that first punch or kick?
Knowing some of the signs to look for in a potential aggressor, whether social or predatory, is fairly straight-forward, if you know what to look for and you are actually paying attention.
What I argue is more important are the things that come before that point and the aftermath. We spend most of our time in this episode talking about the things we should doing leading up to a potential physical encounter, and some things you may want to consider in the aftermath. Of course, we also cover some of the body language and signs that may be telling you something may be about to happen too.
NOTE: Like all of our podcasts, this episode is for informational purposes only. We are not trying to tell you what to do, nor are we providing any legal advice. We are only trying to give you things to work on, think about, and consider in determining what is right for you.
Thanks for listening.
Other related podcasts:
Podcast 25: Situational Awareness and More
Podcast 40: De-escalation: A Key to Conflict Management
Podcast 26: What if… ? The Importance of Thinking Through Scenarios

Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Be a Sharp(er) Woman with Kelly Sayre
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
Wednesday Apr 27, 2022
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 49, Be a Sharp(er) Woman with Kelly Sayre
Kelly, from The Diamond Arrow Group, joins us again. This time to talk through her new book, Sharp Women, a book women (and men, alike) can take something away from.
We talk about the importance of listening to our intuition, paying attention to our surroundings, how our upbringing impacts the way we view and respond to the world around us, and how hard it is to uphold boundaries with those we know. All of this and much, much more.
While mostly written for women, this book is a great read for men as well as it helps us maybe better understand their perspectives, especially when it comes to their safety and security. It is a long listen but well worth it.
Sit back. Relax. And listen.
Other related podcast:
Podcast 25 - Situational Awareness and More (w/ Kelly)
Podcast 26 - What if... ? The Importance of Thinking Through Scenarios

Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Carjacking
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
Wednesday Mar 30, 2022
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 48, Carjacking
What's the difference between car theft and carjacking? We discuss it.
We also talk about some legal concepts that may come into play with either car theft or carjacking, though we give no legal advise.
We talk about some things you can do to help make you less likely to be a victim of a carjacking. Ultimately, we have to take responsibility for our own personal safety.
And lastly, we chat through what you may consider doing should you ever find yourself a victim of a carjacking and some scenarios you will want to consider and think through.
Thanks for listening.
Other podcasts:
Podcast 11 - Safety In and Around Your Vehicle
Podcast 26 - What if.. ? The Importance of Thinking Through Scenarios

Monday Feb 28, 2022
Cyber Security
Monday Feb 28, 2022
Monday Feb 28, 2022
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 47, Cyber Security
We cover the topic of cyber security and some things you need to know to better protect yourself.
Ever wondered what the difference was between phishing, smishing, and vishing? Do you know how to recognize them and when you do, what you should do?
We cover some terminology, some action items relative to the use of our personal devices and home networks, as well as what to do to better avoid being scammed, hacked, or taken advantage of via emails or texts.
While it is not a new subject, it is still worth understanding the threats and the part we play in better ensuring our cyber safety and security, especially for our aging population and kids.
Sit back. Relax. And listen.
Resources:
https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber

Monday Jan 31, 2022
Who is This Guy? More About Me And My Personal Safety Journey
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 46, Who is This Guy? More About Me and My Personal Safety Journey
After nearly 4 years of doing this podcast, I figured I owed it to you to tell you a little more about me.
I do not like talking about myself; but I wanted to give you some idea of my background and experience. I talk about my martial arts and Krav Maga journey as well as many of the other training courses and certifications I have earned over time. And I plan to do more...
The real take-away is I am just an average guy taking responsibility for my own personal safety and preparedness.
Thanks for listening.

Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Active Shooter / Killer And What You Need to Know
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
Wednesday Dec 29, 2021
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 45, Active Shooter / Killer And What You Need to Know
In this episode, I talk about active shooters and some statistics around them and what we (read: the FBI) know to-date.
We examine some events throughout history, including more recent events, some with and some without the use of firearms. And we move the conversation from just active shooters to active killers and why that is important.
I talk about consideration needing to be given more to the heart, intent, and mental health of the individual wielding a tool, regardless of what it is. And I talk about some things we all can be doing to help prevent and prepare for such events.
Sit back. Relax. And listen.
For more information:

Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
How Physical Fitness Fits Into Your Personal Safety and Preparedness Plan
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 44, How Physical Fitness Fits Into Your Personal Safety and Preparedness Plan
How important is physical fitness during a self-defense encounter? Very.
This episode we talk about the differences between aerobic and anaerobic exercise and how anaerobic is key in self-defense scenarios.
We discuss the benefits of exercise and go well beyond the usual points of losing weight and building muscle; and we give some tips and points on how you can get started or re-started if it has been a while for you.
Additionally, we try to make this episode a little interactive by giving you homework assignments including an exercise challenge to help jump things off for you.
If you take the initiative, you will also learn more about things like:
- Organs for managing glucose
- VO2 Max
- EPOC
- ATP energy
- Where endorphins come from
- What the Autonomic Nervous System is responsible for
- And much, much more
If you have any interest in your own personal safety, this is an episode you will not want to miss.
And remember, push to progress...
Thanks for listening.

Saturday Oct 30, 2021
Safety Considerations For Vendors of All Types
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
Saturday Oct 30, 2021
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 43, Safety Considerations For Vendors of All Types
Whether you have garage or yard sales, work at a flea market or an arts & crafts fair, you sale at a farmers' market, or you are a street vendor, this podcast is for you.
We cover the 3 main areas of keeping things locked down, the importance of a heightened sense of situational awareness, and some tips on how to better handle cash when in public.
Sit back. Relax. And listen.

Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
A Chat With Tony Blauer
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
Wednesday Sep 29, 2021
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 42, A Chat With Tony Blauer
NOTE: I apologize for the sound quality through parts of this podcast. Unfortunately, we had a bad connection during the call. I have worked to clean it up as best I can. Stick with it though as we had a good conversation; and things do clear up.
We welcome Tony Blauer to this episode. Tony was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down and have a chat with me. We had it scheduled for nearly 2 months out. Thanks, Tony.
As I previously mentioned, our cellular connection crapped out on us at several points during our conversation. He was breaking up on my end. My voice was garbled on his end; and the cable fell out of my phone twice during the call. I wound up holding my phone over my head for the majority of our conversation in attempt to maintain signal strength. For whatever reason, the cell signal was not good that day. WTH? And if you listen closely at times, you also will likely hear the birds and ducks on Tony's end, as he was sitting outside in his yard.
If you do not know who Tony is, you should take some time and get to know him. The programs he has created include the Spear System, Know Fear, and Blauer Tactical Systems; and he is a very accomplished martial artist. He also figured out how to weaponize the startle-flinch response we all have inside us.
We talk about the startle-flinch response, the importance of thinking through scenarios, and much, much more.
Thanks for listening.

Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
A Chat With John Correia of Active Self Protection
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
Wednesday Aug 25, 2021
The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 41, A Chat With John Correia of Active Self Protection
John Correia, Founder and Owner of Active Self Protection, joins us for a chat on self-defense and the benefits of watching videos of bad things.
We talk about the importance of attitude (mindset) and how the analogy of a blender comes into play.
I ask John about Christians concerned about self defense, its ramifications and morality, especially in the context of the use of deadly force. John provides a unique perspective and some scriptures for reference.
And of course, we talk about how it is John got into doing his video reviews in the first place; and the benefits for those who watch. And much, much more...
You will want to listen to this one. So...
Sit back. Relax. And listen.