

#1387
Mentioned in 17 episodes
The Gift of Fear
Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence
Book • 2021
In this book, Gavin de Becker argues that every individual should learn to trust their gut instinct when it comes to situations of danger or potential violence.
He highlights the predictability of violence by identifying pre-incident indicators (PINS) such as forced teaming, charm and niceness, too many details, typecasting, loan sharking, and the unsolicited promise.
De Becker also discusses his MOSAIC Threat Assessment Systems and provides practical advice on how to spot danger signals, handle threatening situations, and manage fear effectively.
The book is particularly valuable for women and others who may be at higher risk of violence, offering strategies to enhance situational awareness and personal safety.
He highlights the predictability of violence by identifying pre-incident indicators (PINS) such as forced teaming, charm and niceness, too many details, typecasting, loan sharking, and the unsolicited promise.
De Becker also discusses his MOSAIC Threat Assessment Systems and provides practical advice on how to spot danger signals, handle threatening situations, and manage fear effectively.
The book is particularly valuable for women and others who may be at higher risk of violence, offering strategies to enhance situational awareness and personal safety.
Mentioned by
























Mentioned in 17 episodes
Recommended by 

as a book on feeling states and street smarts.


Adam Robinson

1,112 snips
#168 Adam Robinson: Positioning Yourself For Success
Mentioned by 

as a favorite book that teaches how to recognize and respond to danger.


Ryan Holiday

287 snips
#626: Insights from Tara Brach, Ryan Holiday, Maria Popova, and Cal Newport
Mentioned by 

as a book about trusting instincts and recognizing danger signs.


Jim Kwik

151 snips
NEVER LACK MOTIVATION AGAIN - Unlock Your Super Brain & LEARN FASTER In 2023 | Jim Kwik
Mentioned by 

as a book that explores the concept of fear and how to manage it.


Ryan Holiday

118 snips
So It’s Weird, Now Deal With It | Time-Tested Stoic Truths For Life
Mentioned by 

as a book that discusses unconscious signals and gut instincts.


Annaka Harris

84 snips
#104 Annaka Harris - Is Consciousness Fundamental?
Mentioned by 

while discussing worry and introspection.


Ryan Holiday

40 snips
Control Your Emotions
Recommended by ![undefined]()

as a book to understand and harness fear for productive outcomes.

Ryan Mickler

18 snips
Dealing with Desperation, Developing an Eternal Perspective, & Fostering Vigilance | ASK ME ANYTHING
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

when discussing intuition and physiological responses to danger.

Jesse Lynn

11 snips
Episode 14 - Energy Matters! A Conversation About the Law of Attraction, Abraham Hicks and The Three Principles
Recommended by 

as a book that recasts fear as an important evolved signal.


Sam Harris

Making Sense of Encounters With Violence | Episode 4 of The Essential Sam Harris
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book he plans to listen to on Audible.

Gabe Yanez

109: 8 Health Habits That Actually Work In 2025 | No More Resolution Fails
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a must-read book highlighting the importance of recognizing and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Suchir Balaji

Strange News: Mysterious Deaths Ignored, Landmark Assault Trial in France, Banning Junk Fees
Mentioned by 

when discussing the importance of trusting instincts and situational awareness, especially for women.


Seth Capehart

108: The Secret of Mental Toughness: Build Strength and Conquer Challenges
Recommended by 

to ![undefined]()

as a guide to recognizing and avoiding dangerous situations.


June Diane Raphael

Casey Wilson

The Art of Small Talk
Mentioned by 

in relation to a story about a near-kidnapping experience and the importance of intuition.


Jordan Harbinger

468: Jack Schafer | Getting People to Reveal the Truth Part Two
Mentioned by ![undefined]()

as a book about recognizing and responding to danger.

Dave Thomas

253 - Dave Thomas, Author of The Pragmatic Programmer and Sin City Ruby 2025 Keynote Speaker
Mentioned as a self-help book by a personal security guy, where DeBecker goes through what he calls survival signals.

Episode 51: Sarah Manguso & the Liars marriage makes
Recommended as a classic and the best description of healthy fear.

Listen Again: How to Play with the Conscious Universe
Mentioned by 

in the context of a taxi cab incident in Mexico City.


Jordan Harbinger

517: Trouble Runs Deep with the Neighborhood Creep | Feedback Friday
Recommended by 

for understanding pre-conflict indicators and de-escalation techniques.


David Kahn

#277: Krav Maga – The Self-Defense System of Israeli Special Forces
Mentioned by 

as a source of safety advice he learned from an Oprah appearance in 1994, which helped him survive two kidnapping attempts.


Jordan Harbinger

443: Kidnap Me Once, Shame on You | Stereo Sunday