#1800 - Gavin de Becker

Apr 1, 2022

Gavin de Becker, a leading expert in violence prediction and protection, dives into his transformative journey from humble beginnings in Hollywood to safeguarding high-profile figures. He shares fascinating insights into navigating celebrity culture and the psychological nuances of fame. The conversation touches on the intricacies of threat assessment, including the evolving landscape of cyber security and the implications of surveillance technology. With a focus on personal safety, de Becker critiques traditional self-defense methods and the importance of awareness in today’s society.

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ANECDOTE

Career Beginnings

Gavin de Becker's career began after a violent childhood, witnessing his mother shoot his stepfather.
At 19, he worked for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, learning about protection and intelligence agencies worldwide.

ANECDOTE

Landing the Job

De Becker got the job with Taylor through a high school friend, Gina Martin, Dean Martin's daughter.
Initially hired as a flunky, he rose to traveling chief of staff due to others being fired.

ANECDOTE

Early Career Anecdotes

De Becker almost lost his job with Taylor for oversleeping but was mistakenly praised for his actions.
He later worked for Taylor and Burton in Europe, forming a lasting friendship with Burton despite initial concerns.

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The Gift of Fear

Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence

Gavin de Becker

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.

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

The Real Anthony Fauci

Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health

Robert Kennedy, Jr.

In this book, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presents a highly critical view of Anthony Fauci's career, particularly his roles during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy alleges that Fauci has sabotaged safe and effective treatments, orchestrated fraudulent studies, and violated federal laws to allow pharmaceutical companies to conduct deadly experiments on vulnerable populations. The book also details Fauci's partnership with Bill Gates and the influence of the 'Pharma-Fauci-Gates alliance' on global health policy, media, and scientific research. Kennedy argues that Fauci and his allies have suppressed open debate, censored dissent, and promoted fearful propaganda about COVID-19 virulence and pathogenesis.