From Combat to Calm: Advice From a Navy SEAL
Navy SEAL commander Jon Macaskill talks about the night that changed his life and led to his mission to help others find inner peace.
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The (In)Security Blog
Hello there! I write about mental health, psychology, and communications in the security field.
Whether it's an expert interview or perspectives from my own career, I aim to take a multidisciplinary approach to everything I explore.
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About me: I'm a dual American-Israeli citizen who served in the Israeli military and currently works in the U.S. defense sector in the Washington, D.C. area.
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Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 15
- 5 min
Defeating Death, One Chapter at a Time
The conflict taking place between Hamas and Israel is not merely a battle of national survival, but a battle of values.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Sep 25
- 2 min
Breaking Barriers: The Unexpected Woman in Executive Protection
Born in Albania, raised in Greece: This female security agent is challenging stereotypes with her global protection services.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Sep 13
- 4 min
Envy is Brutal, Especially in the Security Field
Of all the human emotions, none is trickier or more elusive than envy...especially when the stakes are high.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Aug 30
- 2 min
A CIA Officer's Insights Into the Psychology of Espionage
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a spy? A senior case officer from the CIA discusses mindset, ethics, and resilience.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 26
- 2 min
Smashing the Stigma Around Police Mental Health
A California police sergeant opens up about a chilling shooting incident and its psychological aftermath.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 10
- 2 min
Protector Trailblazer, Branding Badass
An executive protection agent serving celebrities and other high-level figures talks branding, video, and career development.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 19
- 2 min
An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries interviews me about Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Apr 24
- 13 min
Confronting the Stigma of Mental Illness
Initially a source of shame, a successful psychology professor finally came out publicly about his struggles with bipolar disorder.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 14
- 2 min
The Mental Health Reality Behind the Badge
A senior police officer talks about personal challenges following a shooting incident and the mental health revolution among the forces.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 27
- 12 min
Make Yourself Hack-Proof: Tips From a CIA Agent
Hacking attempts can occur face-to-face, when you’re least expecting them. A former CIA agent explains how to protect yourself.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Feb 16
- 11 min
On a Mission to Protect Police Mental Health
With more officers dying from suicide than in the line of duty each year, we can't ignore the dire need for mental health support.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 25
- 11 min
The Soldier Who Spoke Out
Breaking the stigma around mental health in the military will require leadership speaking out and setting the right example.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Dec 13, 2022
- 12 min
The Refugees Among Us Are Just Like Us
Security professionals across the spectrum can benefit from understanding how conflict affects civilians on the ground.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 21, 2022
- 3 min
Tips for Compelling Storytelling in the Defense Industry
Nothing connects people more powerfully than story; in today’s defense landscape, learning the art is essential.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 14, 2022
- 7 min
Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health
A seasoned military professional's perspective on why veterans may avoid seeking counseling.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 8, 2022
- 2 min
Why Storytelling Matters in the Security Community
I had a great time being interviewed by the Artistic Fuel Foundation about the special role storytelling plays in the security ecosystem.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 25, 2022
- 5 min
Overcoming the Curse of Knowledge in Cybersecurity
Confusion leads to alienation, but connection leads to comprehension. With the right story, we can get the message across.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 18, 2022
- 6 min
The Lies We Tell Ourselves: A Soldier With PTSD
The lie of required perfection plagues many security professionals. For some, it will break them.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Oct 13, 2022
- 5 min
A Holiday Message: The Stories That Live Forever
How can we craft a message that we will continue to communicate after we have left this world?
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