Stronger with Don Saladino: Episode Featuring Evy Poumpouras — “Don’t Try to Change People’s Beliefs. Do This Instead”

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Stronger with Don Saladino, fitness coach and host Don Saladino sits down with his good friend and former Secret Service agent, Evy Poumpouras. Known for her expertise in understanding human behavior and protecting high-profile individuals, Evy shares her unique insights on effective communication, empathy, and building trust. The conversation delves deep into her storied career, the psychological aspects of law enforcement, and practical advice for personal growth and professional development.

Evy Poumpouras: A Brief Background

Evy Poumpouras’s career trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with the New York Police Department (NYPD), Evy transitioned to the U.S. Secret Service, where she specialized as a polygraph examiner and interrogator. Her expertise in human behavior and interrogation techniques has made her a sought-after public speaker and author. Evy’s work extends beyond law enforcement, as she now contributes to national security discussions and serves as an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice.

Key Discussion Points

1. Building Trust Through Understanding Needs

Evy emphasizes the importance of shifting the focus from trying to change others' beliefs to understanding their needs and mindset. Early in the conversation, she states:

“The big mistake people make when they talk to other people, even in negotiations or business dealings, is, I'm going to try to change your belief system. And that's when things take a nosedive. It's always like, what do they want? If you can flip it and be like, what does this person need? What is this person's headspace? You will have just better connection. You'll also build trust.” [00:02]

This perspective underscores her approach in both her professional interrogations and personal interactions, highlighting empathy as a cornerstone of effective communication.

2. From NYPD to Secret Service: Navigating Rigorous Training

Evy recounts her challenging journey from the NYPD to the U.S. Secret Service. She humorously shares her initial struggle with the NYPD’s physical fitness requirements:

“I show up to nypd. I've passed everything up until that point... I'm running. And I will never forget the NYPD instructor... I squeaked through.” [05:51]

Despite initial setbacks, Evy’s determination and multilingual skills (she speaks six languages, including English) enabled her to transition seamlessly into the Secret Service. Her training at the Glynco, Georgia academy was intensive, focusing on law enforcement tactics, protection strategies, and public interaction.

3. Psychological Understanding in Law Enforcement

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the psychological aspects of law enforcement. Evy explains how empathy and understanding human behavior are crucial in her role:

“Empathy helps you build trust. So if I trust you, and I'm a big trust person, if I don't trust somebody I like, I'm kind of... we're done.” [26:30]

She elaborates on the balance between maintaining authority and fostering trust, especially when dealing with hostile individuals or terrorists. Evy underscores that empathy does not equate to agreement but rather an effort to understand others' perspectives without imposing one's own beliefs.

4. Navigating Public Perception and Media Roles

Evy discusses the complexities of transitioning from a high-stakes government role to becoming a public speaker and media contributor. She highlights the importance of maintaining neutrality and discretion:

“There are things that should just not be said and shared... So there's some stuff like that should just not be said and shared.” [20:21]

Her role as NBC’s law enforcement contributor requires her to present information factually without revealing sensitive national security details. Evy emphasizes the necessity of staying neutral, especially in politically charged environments, to maintain credibility and effective communication.

5. Social Media and Career Implications

Addressing a listener’s question, Evy offers pragmatic advice on managing social media presence for those aspiring to government careers:

“At 13... social media is an incredible tool for certain people, but it's also a weapon. It could be incredibly dangerous for others.” [35:07]

She advises maintaining a minimal or nonexistent social media footprint to avoid potential scrutiny during background checks, highlighting the permanence and reach of online content.

6. Listener Engagement: Q&A Session

The episode includes a lively Q&A segment where listeners submit questions. Two notable interactions include:

• Stephanie Sabatelli and Her Daughter Jocelyn’s Question:

  Stephanie asks about the best path for a 13-year-old aspiring to work in government roles like the FBI or CIA. Evy responds with fundamental advice on character building and avoiding trouble, emphasizing the importance of personal integrity over academic achievements.

  “The most important thing you can do right now is stay out of trouble... think like that. And truly, I really do mean, don't follow what everybody else does.” [37:14]

• Brian from Toronto’s Challenge on Developing a Routine:

  Brian shares his struggle with re-establishing a fitness routine after an injury and transitioning from a gym to a home setup. Evy advises rejoining a gym to benefit from the psychological boost of being around others, reinforcing accountability and motivation.

  “I think you need to ditch the gym in your home and you need to go to a gym... That's a psychological thing.” [44:01]

Notable Quotes

• Evy Poumpouras on Empathy:

  “Empathy is not agreement. I was never like, I agree with you, but I can understand where you're coming from.” [25:42]

• Evy on Career Influence:

  “Nobody is self-made. I am not self-made.” [27:28]

• Evy’s Advice on Social Media:

  “At 13... social media is an incredible tool for certain people, but it's also a weapon. It could be incredibly dangerous for others.” [35:07]

Conclusion

This episode of Stronger with Don Saladino offers invaluable insights from Evy Poumpouras, blending her extensive experience in law enforcement with practical advice on personal development and effective communication. Evy’s emphasis on empathy, understanding needs, and maintaining integrity serves as a powerful guide for listeners aiming to build strength not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful dialogue, Evy Poumpouras exemplifies what it truly means to be strong in every area of life.

Final Thoughts

Evy Poumpouras’s journey from the NYPD to the Secret Service and beyond is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of understanding human behavior. Her ability to navigate high-pressure environments while maintaining empathy and integrity provides a blueprint for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to enhance your fitness routine, build better relationships, or develop a stronger mindset, the lessons shared in this episode are sure to inspire and empower.

Thank you for reading this detailed summary of the podcast episode. For more insights and inspiring stories, subscribe to Stronger with Don Saladino on your preferred platform. Let’s get stronger—together.