Our Special Guest today, is Jared Van Driessche. Jared grew up in a tumultuous environment deeply scarred by the presence of an abusive and manipulative father who was later revealed to be a pedophile, rapist, sociopath, and narcissist. Despite the facade his father maintained, Jared understood the dark reality of his behavior. This shocking revelation and subsequent trauma drove Jared's determination to escape his toxic hometown. With steadfast resolve, Jared left immediately after graduating high school, seeking to rebuild his life away from the shadows of his past.

In this episode feature Jared recounts his journey from a childhood marred by severe abuse to becoming the Head of Security for one of Elon Musk’s companies. Jared’s story is one of resilience and determination as he navigates the lasting effects of trauma, intense anger, and the shadow of his father’s dark legacy.

Throughout the conversation, Jared candidly discusses his battles with suicidal thoughts and his commitment to breaking cycles of abuse. He sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of male sexual assault and his advocacy for those who suffer in silence. Jared also highlights his upcoming film, "The Injured," which aims to offer understanding and healing to trauma survivors.

Co-host Michael Julian underscores the critical importance of seeking help and confronting painful truths. This episode is a profound exploration of human endurance, the pursuit of redemption, and the power of voice in overcoming past traumas.

Follow Jared Van Driessche on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-van-driessche-87788539/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsor, A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival! Be sure to head on over and check out the website to know more about how to better protect yourself! ↙️

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About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian:

Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including behavioral threat assessment, active shooter survival, executive and asset protection, self-defense, defensive and evasive driving, close protection, aviation security, interview and interrogation techniques, protective and counter-surveillance, and covert protection. He imparts his knowledge by teaching courses in Executive and Asset Protection across the United States and serves as a trusted security consultant for organizations, specializing in personal and asset security solutions, workplace violence identification and reaction, and active shooter survival.

Michael is a renowned speaker and Best-Selling author, having penned "10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E.". His innovative Active Shooter Survival philosophy, A.L.I.V.E. (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose), has been widely embraced since its inception in 2014. The online e-Learning version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program, launched in 2019, is now an integral component of corporate security training...

Welcome to another transformative episode of "Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian." In Episode 5, we sit down with the remarkable Beth Pope, whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Beth's life story takes us from her early years of abandonment and adoption to her family's relocation to France, where she navigated a new culture and found solace in skiing the Swiss Alps. Despite facing significant challenges, including her brother's tragic passing and her own struggles with depression, Beth emerges as a beacon of resilience.

We'll explore her empowering experiences in the Navy, where she combatted gender discrimination, and delve into her passion for tactical games as a therapeutic outlet. Beth shares how art, faith, and a supportive community helped her overcome life's toughest moments. Her candid discussion about infertility and the shame she faced as a woman who couldn't have children is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Additionally, Beth and Michael exchange insights on combatting the victim mentality, the significance of gratitude, and the joy found in simple pleasures. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that underscores the power of resilience, self-love, and the unyielding human spirit. Tune in as Beth Pope reveals how she turned her pain into power and continues to defy the odds.

Find Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-pope-518156aa/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsor, A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival! Be sure to head on over and check out the website to know more about how to better protect yourself! ↙️

👉🏻 https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/ 👈🏻

🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lmgSchXNc0U

#Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #elizabethpope #bethpope #navy

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About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian:

Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including behavioral threat assessment, active shooter survival, executive and asset protection, self-defense, defensive and evasive driving, close protection, aviation security, interview and interrogation techniques, protective and counter-surveillance, and covert protection. He imparts his knowledge by teaching courses in Executive and Asset Protection across the United States and serves as a trusted security consultant for organizations, specializing in personal and asset security solutions, workplace violence identification and reaction, and active shooter survival.

Michael is a renowned speaker and Best-Selling author, having penned "10 Minutes to Live: Surviving an Active Shooter Using A.L.I.V.E.". His innovative Active Shooter Survival philosophy, A.L.I.V.E. (Assess, Leave, Impede, Violence, and Expose), has been widely embraced since its inception in 2014. The online e-Learning version of the A.L.I.V.E. Training Program, launched in 2019, is now an integral component of corporate security training programs worldwide.

With guests from entertainment, business, sports and beyond, Down 'n Dirty creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and honest conversation. Julian's insightful interviews reveal how our most difficult life experiences can ultimately forge our biggest strengths...

Welcome to another episode of Down and Dirty with Michael Julian. Today, we're getting raw and real with my good friend Christian West.

Christian is a true icon in the executive protection industry. The Danish native shares his fascinating journey - from working as a bouncer and DJ in Copenhagen, to making the bold move to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in entertainment security. He opens up about his early days providing protection for high-profile music producers and celebrities, which gave him invaluable experience.

Christian then walks us through starting his own successful security firm in Denmark, selling it to the major company Securitas, and then launching his own renowned company Asymmetric Solutions. He provides candid insights into growing AsymmetricSolutions into a $70 million business before ultimately deciding to exit when he felt the quality was declining under new ownership.

The conversation takes an introspective turn as Christian reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to actually slow down for the first time in his globetrotting career. He shares the profound realizations that came from finally being grounded and able to experience simple pleasures like bingeing TV shows.

Christian then dives into his latest venture, EP Access, an innovative online training platform designed to disrupt the traditional executive protection training model. He passionately discusses his philosophy around maximizing learning through a blended approach.

Throughout the episode, Christian's wry Danish humor and philosophical musings shine through. Whether he's drawing parallels between his work and the show Ted Lasso, or waxing poetic about the "science" of how a cold Diet Coke is served differently around the world, his insights are as entertaining as they are insightful.

It's a refreshingly honest look into the life and mindset of one of the EP industry's true pioneers. Grab a cold one, settle in, and get ready to be inspired by the incomparable Christian West.

Find Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianwest1/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsors, Premier Body Armor! Be sure to head on over and check out their incredible products that I stand by! ↙️

👉🏻 https://premierbodyarmor.com/pages/alive 👈🏻

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#Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #christianwest #viking #executiveprotection

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Today, we have a real treat as we sit down with my good friend and esteemed executive protection professional, Joseph LaSorsa Jr. from LaSorsa Associates and Executive Support Logistics. While Joe keeps a relatively low profile in the industry, he opens up about his life's journey and the core values that drive him both professionally and personally.

In this candid conversation, Joe shares insights into the EP world, including the importance of continuous learning, servant leadership, and making a positive impact on those around you. He reflects on the weight of carrying on his father's legacy in the family business, and the struggle to let go and trust his team as the company grows.

The discussion takes a personal turn as Joe provides a rare glimpse into his life outside of work. From being a devoted family man raising triplet daughters, to his simple pleasures of boating, fishing, and enjoying cigars in his waterfront home in North Carolina. Joe's humility and even-keeled nature shine through as he shares anecdotes that reveal his priorities of work-life balance and quality family time.

Michael and Joe also touch on deeper subjects - overcoming egos early in their careers, the value of mentorship, and developing resilience in an ever-changing world. Their friendly banter and mutual respect create a warm atmosphere as they discuss everything from career sacrifices to their favorite drinks and clothing choices.

It's an insightful, candid, and at times lighter episode that reminds us of the importance of living with purpose while still enjoying life's simple pleasures. So settle in, pour yourself a drink, and join us for an unfiltered look into the world of the respected professional, Joseph LaSorsa Jr.

Find Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephalasorsa/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsors, Premier Body Armor! Be sure to head on over and check out their incredible products that I stand by! ↙️

👉🏻 https://premierbodyarmor.com/pages/alive 👈🏻

🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Rd1gnpFYjB4

#Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #joelasorsa #securitybusiness

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About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian:

Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including behavioral...

Welcome back to "Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian." In today's compelling episode, we're joined by the remarkable Sifu Alan Baker for a deep dive into resilience, mentorship, and personal growth. Michael and Alan are tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time, from the perceived decline in mental and physical resilience among today's youth to the essential role of mentors in guiding personal and professional development.

With a background steeped in martial arts and executive protection, Alan shares his journey from a determined young learner in Cleveland, Tennessee, to an internationally respected grandmaster, emphasizing the warrior's path as a continual journey of self-improvement. Together, they discuss the importance of emotional vulnerability, controlling the ego, and overcoming physical and emotional challenges.

Alan opens up about a life-altering car accident that reshaped his career ambitions, moving him from the world of competitive fighting to teaching and mentorship. The episode also explores the dynamic collaborations between Michael and Alan, including plans for a specialized online self-defense course. Tune in for a raw and insightful conversation that delves into the necessity of facing adversity, the impact of strong mentorship, and the ongoing journey toward personal excellence.

Find Sifu Alan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sifualanbaker/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsors, Premier Body Armor! Be sure to head on over and check out their incredible products that I stand by! ↙️

👉🏻 https://premierbodyarmor.com/pages/alive 👈🏻

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#Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #sifualanbaker #alanbaker #martialartist

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About Michael Julian & Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian:

Michael Julian is a distinguished security and investigations professional with a career spanning over 30 years. Michael's extensive security training encompasses a wide range of critical areas, including behavioral threat assessment, active shooter survival, executive and asset protection, self-defense, defensive and evasive driving, close protection, aviation security, interview and interrogation techniques, protective and counter-surveillance, and covert protection. He imparts his knowledge by teaching courses in Executive and Asset Protection across the United States and serves as a trusted...

Today, we have a special treat as Michael sits down with his close friend and esteemed insurance broker, Nick Langer, who works with TSIB. Nick dives into his world of insurance and risk management, particularly within the construction and private security sectors, and shares his mission to help businesses stay compliant and out of legal trouble.

In this episode, Michael and Nick explore the evolving landscape of the insurance industry, discussing the immense pressures and stress involved. They reflect on how these challenges shape resilience and innovation, highlighting a recurring theme: the younger generation’s preference for quick fixes and the essential need for developing stronger problem-solving skills. Nick draws powerful comparisons between today’s society and his Italian immigrant grandfather’s era, emphasizing the enduring value of hard work and nimbleness.

Balancing the heavy professional insights, the conversation turns personal as Nick and Michael discuss the delicate juggle of work and family life. Nick opens up about the sacrifices his family has made, his commitment to attending his children’s activities, and the importance of decompressing in nature with his wife. Both friends share genuine, often humorous anecdotes about their experiences, from missing family moments to their shared love for whiskey and cigars.

The episode also takes a lighter turn with a friendly discussion on their sock choices, favorite drinks, and the joy of social interactions. Amidst their banter, they touch on significant life lessons learned through golf and the impact of maintaining a balanced personal and professional life.

Rounding off the dialogue, Nick discusses modern-day innovations like bulletproof T-shirts and the "A.L.I.V.E." personal defense program. The episode is a tapestry of insightful commentary, heartfelt reflections, and moments of levity, making it a must-listen for anyone navigating the complexities of career and family. So, pour yourself a drink, settle into your favorite chair, and join us as we get down and dirty with the incomparable Nick Langer.

Find Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklanger/

Special thanks to this episodes sponsors, Premier Body Armor! Be sure to head on over and check out their incredible products that I stand by! ↙️

👉🏻 https://premierbodyarmor.com/pages/alive 👈🏻

🎥Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PGBHAdYxGuU

#Downndirtywithmichaeljulian #downndirty #nicklanger #insurance

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Down 'n Dirty with Michael Julian takes you behind the scenes with fascinating people from all walks of life. Your host, Michael Julian, digs deep with his guests, learning about the experiences and challenges that have shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today.

Whether it's overcoming childhood traumas, mental health struggles or other life challenges, this podcast shines a light on the grit and resilience of the human spirit. Guests openly share their powerful stories of perseverance and growth, providing an inspiring roadmap for listeners facing their own obstacles.

With guests from entertainment, business, sports and beyond, Down 'n Dirty creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and honest conversation. Julian's insightful interviews reveal how our most difficult life experiences can ultimately forge our biggest strengths and successes.

Tune in for a candid, moving and motivational listen that will leave you feeling uplifted and empowered to conquer any challenge that may come your way. Life gets Down 'n Dirty, but this podcast proves you can emerge stronger and wiser because of it.