Mike Force Podcast — "5 Tips to Survive the Holidays"

Host: Mike Glover
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mike Glover dives into practical, actionable safety strategies tailored for the holiday season. Drawing from his background as a veteran and security expert, Mike discusses situational threats—ranging from crime to terrorism—while empowering listeners to keep themselves and their loved ones safer during busy public gatherings and family events. The episode is rooted in fostering awareness without paranoia, encouraging bold, proactive readiness over fear.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Current Security Climate and the Need for Vigilance

• Mike starts the episode with concerns over national priorities, mentioning recent violent incidents (00:30-03:38).
  • Discusses mainstream focus on “important, but perhaps distracting” items like Epstein files versus “real, present” threats such as terrorism and violent crime.
• Quote: “We aren’t as a country paying attention to what’s going on and we’re not taking it seriously… So people, yeah, are tired of corruption … shifting … resources towards things that aren’t going to further protect us.” (Mike Glover, 01:46)

2. Situational Awareness & Pattern Disruption Awareness (PDA)

• Mike introduces “Pattern Disruption Awareness” as a security principle distinct from general situational awareness (04:10).
  • Emphasizes attackers rely on predictable routines.
  • Red flags to watch for:
    • Repeated loitering near entrances (05:18)
    • Individuals pacing nervously (06:16)
    • People observing others, not products, in stores (07:10)
    • Bulky clothing or backpacks inconsistent with weather (08:14)
    • Vehicles parked unusually close to pedestrian areas (09:19)
• Quote: “Attackers rely on routine, predictability, opportunities to exploit you when you’re doing something so mundane … that you’re likely not focused in situational awareness.” (Mike Glover, 04:26)

Actionable Habit

• Always locate two exits in any public or crowded location.
• Practice “Combat Parking”: Back into parking spots for fast egress.
• Sit facing entrances when possible for maximum awareness.

3. Crowd Density Management

• Principle: “Crowds reduce reaction time and movement options.” (13:36)
  • Holiday venues (malls, churches, markets, transit hubs) become bottlenecks and easy targets.
• Keep children within arm’s reach, avoid main entrances/food courts.
• Set a clear comms/rally plan in case of separation:
  • “If we get separated … meet me back at the car. After 30 minutes, I’m calling the authorities.” (15:35)
• Quote: “Distance buys you time and time buys you options.” (Mike Glover, 17:00)

4. Family Movement & Control during Crisis

• Crowds and chaos separate families—have a pre-established movement plan (18:21).
• Use simple, loud, clear pro-words (no codes needed): e.g., “Let’s go!”
• Assign roles, even to children: older kids help younger siblings.
• Immediate action: Don’t wait for proof or confirmation—move if something feels wrong.
• Quote: “You don’t owe politeness to a situation that doesn’t feel right.” (Mike Glover, 20:05)

5. Mindset: Permission to Act

• Most freeze from seeking “social permission.” (20:46)
  • Be the leader, set the cues—don’t look to others first.
  • Intuition is data, not just emotion: trust it.
  • Act early, decisively, and without apology.
• Quote: “Act without apology … your intuition is data, it’s not emotional, it’s a calculus.” (Mike Glover, 21:09)

6. Post-Incident Discipline & Medical Readiness

• Chaos and clustering after an incident can cause more casualties (22:30).
  • Move off the “X,” avoid clustering or blocking first responders.
  • Don’t rush to vehicles if it feels unsafe—go on foot, opposite of the herd.
  • Be prepared for mass casualty treatment: focus on stopping the bleed.
    • Tourniquet and emergency medical knowledge is essential.
  • Know AED locations for cardiac emergencies.
• Quote: “Survival is the priority. Do not worry about offending anybody or breaking property, especially in a catastrophe.” (Mike Glover, 23:51)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Prepared people don’t panic, they move. Prepared people don’t freeze, they act. Prepared people don’t outsource responsibility, they lean in on their own self-relience.” (Mike Glover, 26:28)
• “Don’t go unconscious just because it’s Christmas.” (Mike Glover, 27:00)

Important Timestamps

• 01:46 — On national priorities, vigilance, and the failure to focus on real threats.
• 04:10 - 09:19 — Pattern Disruption Awareness: spotting threats and behaviors.
• 13:36 - 17:00 — Crowd management and family rally planning.
• 18:21 - 20:05 — Family movement control and immediate action.
• 20:46 - 21:09 — Mindset: giving yourself permission to act.
• 22:30 - 23:51 — Post-incident discipline, treating casualties, and practical preparedness.
• 26:28 - 27:00 — Final thoughts: resilience, awareness, and holiday safety.

Tone and Closing Thoughts

Mike’s delivery is candid, direct, and laced with a sense of personal responsibility and service. He balances a realistic depiction of potential threats with encouragement to stay present and enjoy the holidays—not to feed fear, but to foster awareness and lead families through action, not anxiety.

He signs off with:
“I want you guys to enjoy the holidays, be present, love your family, no doubt, but don’t go unconscious just because it’s Christmas. I appreciate you guys. Till next time, peace.” (27:00)

Key Takeaway

Preparedness is empowerment—build habits of awareness, lead your family, act confidently, and keep love at the center of your holiday celebrations.