US
CA
LE
Compare Rifles
Watch the full 30-minute conversation with former CIA officer John Kiriakou below
Everyday Crime Can Happen Anywhere: Lessons in Situational Awareness from Former CIA Officer John Kiriakou
In this episode of Byrna Bros, host Josh Schirard sits down with John Kiriakou, a former CIA analyst and counterterrorism officer best known for exposing the CIA's use of waterboarding. Drawing on nearly 15 years in intelligence work, John shares gripping stories from his career and explains why the awareness skills he relied on overseas apply just as much to everyday life at home.
When people think about personal safety, it's easy to imagine only extreme or high-profile situations. In reality, many self-defense incidents involve everyday crimes—muggings, attempted robberies, purse snatchings—that occur in cities, suburbs, and small towns alike. As John points out, threats aren't limited to any one location. Criminal activity can occur while walking to a car, running errands, commuting to work, or simply enjoying an evening outdoors.
Situational Awareness Is the First Line of Defense
If there's one theme John returns to throughout the conversation, it's this: situational awareness is the single most important self-defense habit anyone can build. Paying attention to surroundings, recognizing unusual behavior, and trusting instincts can often provide the time needed to avoid or escape a dangerous encounter entirely—no confrontation required.
Preparedness is not about living in fear—it's about making thoughtful decisions that improve personal safety without disrupting everyday life. That mindset, John explains, is what kept him safe in some of the most dangerous environments in the world.
Having Options Matters
While awareness is critical, many people also choose to carry personal safety tools as part of their overall preparedness plan. Less-lethal self-defense options can provide an additional layer of protection for situations where creating distance and escaping safely are the primary goals.
Unlike relying solely on deadly force, less-lethal tools offer another response option that may be appropriate in a wider range of encounters. Combined with proper training and a clear understanding of local laws, they can help individuals feel more confident and prepared during everyday activities.
Confidence Through Preparation
No one can predict when or where a threatening situation might occur. However, taking proactive steps—such as practicing situational awareness, developing a personal safety plan, and becoming familiar with self-defense tools—can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're a former intelligence officer or someone who just wants to feel safer walking to your car, the fundamentals are the same.
Want more from John? Check out his current podcast, Dead Drop—a top-ranked show in the history category—and keep an eye out for his upcoming show, John Kiriakou's Briefing Room. And watch the full conversation with Josh below.
