Rethinking Safety and Security: How to Stop Violence Before It Happens

Welcome back to the ACT OUT podcast! In this episode, host Adam Tomlin sits down with Robert Mahoney, founder of TVTP Solutions (Targeted Violence & Terrorism Prevention Solutions), for a fascinating and eye-opening conversation about preventing targeted violence before it ever reaches the “headline” stage. Robert breaks down why we don’t actually have a reporting problem—we have a coordination problem—and what it looks like when schools, law enforcement, mental health, and community organizations work together early instead of waiting for a crisis.Robert walks listeners through the Pathway of Violence (grievance → planning → acquisition → broadcasting → attack), explains what behavioral threat assessment (BTAM) really is, and why he prefers thinking of these teams as “care teams” instead of just threat teams. Adam and Robert dig into how prevention is often less about catching “bad people” and more about noticing patterns: isolation, escalating behavior, unmet needs, and the ripple effects of housing instability, substance use, or social disconnection that can compound over time.The conversation also explores why logical arguments don’t work when someone is emotionally dysregulated, how radicalization isn’t always about ideology but about identity, community, and purpose, and why top-down interventions often backfire. Robert shares powerful real-world examples—from school bus drivers spotting early warning signs to the “Toyota vs. Mercedes” analogy for building a culture of prevention—and explains how security measures can accidentally increase fear if the emotional narrative of safety gets ignored.If you’ve ever wondered what violence prevention actually looks like in the real world—or how communities can shift from reacting after the fact to stepping in sooner with support, connection, and smarter systems—this episode will change the way you think about safety.Learn more about Robert Mahoney and TVTP Solutions: https://tvtpsolutions.com/Tune in every Thursday for episodes that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you’re here for laughs, lived wisdom, or action steps, the ACT OUT podcast is your space to rethink growth, embrace self-awareness, and act out your passions.Want to be a guest on the ACT OUT podcast? Send Adam Tomlin a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17697025629686282ce7409dcOther ways to follow and connect with the ACT OUT podcast:Learn more at:https://www.theactoutpodcast.com/Subscribe to the show on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@theACTOUTpodcastFollow the show on Instagram: @‌actoutpodcast & TikTok: @‌actoutpodcastCredits:Mural: Tara E. @‌taradiiiise and @‌tarayakisauceThis episode includes discussion of suicide and violent ideation in the context of prevention and behavioral threat assessment. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are outside the U.S., please contact your local crisis support service.