Real Stories, Real Safety

As Operation Halo has grown, I’ve discovered that one of the most rewarding parts of running this platform is bringing other people’s stories to life through our podcast channel. In our very first episodes, we introduced listeners to some of our co-founders and advisory board members, giving a glimpse into the people who helped shape our mission. These conversations were more than just introductions for our audience — they were eye-opening for me as well. Sitting down with them prompted questions I had never asked before, and the answers often surprised me.

When I spoke with Kim Teachman, for example, she shared a powerful story about a domestic violence case that deeply impacted her career and shaped her understanding of how difficult it is for women to leave unhealthy relationships. In another episode, Stan Campbell recounted his inspiring journey from working as a paramedic to building a career in law enforcement — a path that eventually led him to becoming my father’s business partner. Along the way, these early episodes laid a strong foundation for our podcast, not only letting listeners meet the team but also highlighting why a platform like Operation Halo is so necessary. We explored core principles of safety, such as visualization techniques, and shared segments from our free situational awareness course to give listeners practical tools they could use in their own lives.

With that groundwork in place, I’m more excited than ever for the direction we’re heading. Recently, I recorded an episode based on a terrifying real-life incident involving a friend of mine in downtown Oklahoma City. She was attacked by a homeless woman — someone she described as “relentless” — and fought for her life in a moment she never saw coming. What made the experience even more telling was how the two friends with her reacted so differently; one’s quick thinking and decisive action ultimately helped her escape to safety.

It’s stories like this that illustrate why we do what we do. I want these episodes to be both compelling and practical — the kind of content that keeps you engaged like a true-crime podcast, but also sends you away with knowledge that could one day save your life. Someone recently told me that’s exactly what this episode accomplished, and I think that’s what young women need: real stories from real people, filled with lessons they can carry into their own lives. Because if a violent attack can happen to 24-year-old Ellie on a night out, it could just as easily happen to 18-year-old Sophia, 21-year-old Madison, or even 15-year-old Elizabeth. By sharing these stories, we not only raise awareness — we prepare each other for a world where awareness can make all the difference.

As Operation Halo’s podcast channel continues to grow, my goal remains clear — to share real stories that don’t just entertain, but equip listeners with life-saving awareness and tools. Each episode is an opportunity to connect, to learn from the experiences of others, and to place ourselves in situations we may one day face. By blending honest conversations with practical safety principles, we’re creating a space where young women feel informed, empowered, and less alone in confronting the challenges of the world around them. If even one listener walks away with a piece of knowledge or a shift in perspective that helps them stay safe, then every story we share has served its purpose.

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