Truth Be Told

What If the Strongest Thing You Can Do Is Talk About It? From Combat to Coming Home with Pasha Palanker

What if the strongest thing you can do… is talk about it?
In this powerful episode of Truth Be Told, Pasha Palanker shares his extraordinary journey from Soviet immigrant to decorated U.S. Army veteran — and the invisible battle that followed him home.
After surviving roadside bombs, earning two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Valor, and serving in some of the most dangerous combat environments in Iraq, Pasha opens up about the trauma, anger, PTSD, isolation, and mental health struggles he spent years hiding. He explains how survival instincts that once saved his life in combat nearly destroyed his relationships, his identity, and his future.
This conversation goes beyond military stories. It’s an honest discussion about trauma, emotional resilience, veteran mental health, leadership, stigma, healing, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Dave Thompson and Pasha explore topics like PTSD recovery, suicide prevention, emotional intelligence, therapy, journaling, resilience, trauma-informed communication, and why so many veterans and first responders suffer in silence.
Whether you’re in the military, law enforcement, leadership, mental health advocacy, or simply trying to navigate your own struggles, this episode is a raw reminder that strength doesn’t come from pretending you’re okay — it comes from facing the truth.
Follow Pasha on Instagram!
Truths:
Trauma doesn’t always show up immediately — sometimes the hardest battle begins after coming home.
Survival instincts that protect people in high-stress environments can become destructive when they follow them into everyday life.
Isolation fuels trauma. Healing often begins with honest conversation and human connection.
Taking responsibility for your mental health is different than blaming yourself for what happened.
Strength is not pretending to be okay — it’s having the courage to confront the truth about yourself.
Presence and empathy are more powerful than trying to “fix” someone’s pain.
Recovery isn’t one breakthrough moment. It’s built through small actions, consistency, community, and purpose.

From War Zones to the World’s Most Critical Conversations: What Actually Works with Sean Buckley

What happens when the people meant to protect… become the ones you have to investigate?
In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Sean Buckley—former New Zealand detective and United Nations investigator—whose career has taken him from local policing to some of the most complex, high-risk investigations across the globe.
We get into what it’s really like to build trust in environments where no one wants you there… interviewing victims, suspects, and even terrorists across more than 90 countries… and navigating cases involving child abuse, war zones, and political assassinations.
But the biggest takeaway?
Whether you’re in a patrol car, a boardroom, or a conflict zone—your most powerful tool isn’t force… it’s communication.
Sean breaks down why rapport isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s the skill—and how the ability to connect, adapt, and listen under pressure is what separates good from great in any high-stakes conversation.
If your job—or your life—depends on getting the truth from people, this one’s worth your time.
Learn more about OSACO Group!
Sean mentioned EchoMind on the episode - here's a link to learn more.
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Truths:
Rapport is the foundation of everything.No matter the country, case, or subject—if you can’t build trust, you won’t get the truth.
Communication is the most undertrained—but most critical—skill.Officers train constantly for force, but rarely for conversation… even though it’s what they use every day.
Real-world situations don’t follow your training script.The best interviewers aren’t the most prepared—they’re the most adaptable when things go sideways.
High-stakes environments amplify everything.Whether it’s a war zone or a patrol call, pressure exposes gaps in training, mindset, and communication.
The goal is to get others talking—not to control the conversation.The more they speak, the more information you gather—and the better your outcomes.
Cultural awareness isn’t optional—it’s operational.Understanding people’s backgrounds, values, and fears is often the difference between resistance and cooperation.
Preparation and creativity separate average from elite investigators.The best outcomes don’t come from luck—they come from intentional planning and tailored approaches.
Respect and authenticity travel across every environment.From local communities to international conflict zones, how you treat people determines what they give back.

How Songwriters Communicate What Others Can't Say: Finding Your Voice with Cami Clune

In this episode of the Truth Be Told Podcast, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with singer-songwriter Cami Clune (as see on NBC's The Voice) to explore communication, storytelling, and songwriting—and how artists say what others struggle to express.
Cami shares her journey through the music industry, from early performances to her breakout moment on The Voice, along with the mindset needed to handle rejection, performance anxiety, and creative pressure.
Follow Cami on Instagram!
This episode covers:
The songwriting process and turning emotions into lyrics
How music becomes a powerful form of communication and storytelling
Overcoming stage fright, anxiety, and self-doubt
Building confidence and finding your authentic voice
The role of vulnerability and authenticity in connecting with an audience
Lessons in personal branding, creativity, and resilience
You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes insights on content creation, social media for artists, and growing a personal brand in today’s digital world.
If you’re interested in communication skills, storytelling, public speaking, music, or personal development, this episode will give you practical insights and a new perspective on how to share your message.
Your story matters—and the way you communicate it can change everything.

Influence Without Authority: The Real Test of Leadership with Khris Hamlin

The loudest voice in the room isn’t always the most effective—but the silent one can cost you everything. In this episode, Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Technology at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) breaks down what it really takes to lead when you don’t have direct authority, and why communication—not control—is the defining skill of modern leadership.
Check out the upcoming RILA Conference!
From his journey as a practitioner to becoming a voice for the entire retail industry, Khris shares how understanding perspectives is the key to aligning competing priorities. He dives into the evolution of asset protection, revealing why the role is now centered on people, safety, and enterprise risk—not just theft. You’ll hear powerful insights on decision-making, including why making the wrong call is often better than making no call at all. Khris also gets candid about imposter syndrome, finding your voice, and the moments he wishes he had spoken up sooner. If you lead teams, influence stakeholders, or navigate complex conversations—this episode will challenge how you show up.
Connect with our host, Dave Thompson, CFI!
Truths:
Silence can cost you credibility. Leaders don’t lose trust by making the wrong decision—they lose it by making no decision at all.
Communication is the real leadership differentiator. Technical skills can be taught, but the ability to deliver a clear, concise, and adaptable message is what sets leaders apart.
Perspective drives alignment. The more you understand where others are coming from, the easier it is to bring competing priorities to a common ground.
Influence without authority is the ultimate test. True leadership isn’t about title—it’s about getting people aligned who don’t report to you.
Asset protection has evolved into enterprise risk leadership. Today’s leaders are responsible for people, safety, operations, and brand—not just theft.
You don’t have to win every argument to move things forward. Effective leaders focus on progress, not perfection or ego.
Find your voice sooner. Waiting too long to speak up can limit your impact—growth often comes from stepping into discomfort and being heard

When Love is Blind, What Reveals the Truth? A Conversation with Ashley and Paul Carpenter

What happens when the psychology of communication meets one of reality TV’s most fascinating relationship experiments?
In this episode of the podcast, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Ashley Carpenter and her father, Paul Carpenter, for a candid conversation about truth, trust, and what we can really learn from the experience of Love Is Blind.
Ashley takes us behind the scenes of the pods—where connections are built without ever seeing the other person—and shares what it’s like to navigate vulnerability, communication, and high-stakes relationships with cameras rolling. We talk about the challenge of reading people when you can’t rely on body language, the red flags that emerge through conversation alone, and how honesty (or the lack of it) shapes relationships.
Then Ashley's dad, Paul with more than 40 years of experience in the field of law joins the discussion to break down the now-viral dinner scene where he questions Ashley’s fiancé. Together, we explore the communication tactics behind that moment: asking better questions, spotting evasive answers, and why integrity matters more than any perfect response.
Whether you’re a fan of reality TV or simply interested in how people communicate under pressure, this conversation reveals what happens when love is blind—but the truth still finds a way to show itself.
Truths:
Communication reveals character. When you remove physical appearance—like in the pods on Love Is Blind—what people say and how they say it becomes even more important.
Red flags often show up in conversation first. Listening closely to inconsistencies, vagueness, or avoidance can tell you a lot about someone’s intentions.
The power of good questions. Paul Carpenter explains how thoughtful, direct questions can quickly reveal how someone thinks and whether they’re being honest.
Reality TV vs. real relationships. Ashley Carpenter shares what it’s actually like to build a connection under the pressure of cameras and public scrutiny.
Trust is built through transparency. Authentic communication—and the willingness to answer difficult questions—plays a critical role in relationships.
Integrity shows up under pressure. The viral dinner conversation demonstrates how people respond when they’re asked tough questions in real time.
Why listening matters more than talking. The most revealing moments often come when you let someone keep speaking.

From Interrogations to First Dates: Turning Questions into Connection with Erika Ettin

Most people are communicating all wrong—especially when stakes are high. Erika Ettin, a leading dating coach and communication expert, reveals the surprising truths about how subtle words, small gestures, and online signals can make or break trust, chemistry, and connection—even beyond dating. If you've ever felt misunderstood, frustrated, or unsure how to truly connect, this episode will transform your approach to human interaction.
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Erika shares her research-based insights with our host, Dave Thompson, from years of data-driven experiments and psychological research, uncovering the biggest mistakes even the smartest are making in how they communicate. You'll discover how minor tweaks—like how you show up, what questions to ask early, and how to interpret silence—can dramatically increase your success in relationships, in investigative interviews, or any conversation where trust matters.
Learn more about Erika at A Little Nudge.
Topics of Truth:
How data and psychology inform better online dating communication
The importance of authenticity and self-awareness in profiles and conversations
The role of visual impressions: photos and backgrounds that matter
Common profile mistakes and how to optimize your self-representation
Building rapport through transparency, honesty, and adaptability
Practical strategies for asking questions, active listening, and managing expectations
Crossovers between dating and investigative communication challenges
Handling pushback on advice and understanding human behavior patterns
The pitfalls of assumptions: clarifying language like "fight" versus "meetup"
The significance of confirming plans and setting clear expectations
Embracing humility and vulnerability to foster genuine connections
 

Explosive Truths: From Bomb Tech to Crisis Communication with Barry Black

In this episode of the Truth Be Told podcast, host Dave Thompson, CFI interviews Barry Black, a former FBI agent with a diverse career spanning accounting, bomb disposal, and sniper roles. They discuss Barry's journey into the FBI, the importance of communication in investigations, the motivations behind financial crimes, and the challenges of interagency cooperation. Barry shares insights from his experiences during major incidents like Waco and the Oklahoma City bombing, emphasizing the need for mental health support for first responders and the impact of public perception and misinformation on investigations. He also reflects on his memoir, 'Hazardous Devices,' and offers advice for aspiring law enforcement professionals.
 
Learn more about Barry and his memoir here: 
Home - Barry Black
Hazardous Devices: Memoir of an FBI Bomb Technician, Accountant and Sniper: Black, Barry T.: 9781476699929: Amazon.com: Books
 
Truths:
The Power of Persistent Commitment Overcomes Initial ObstaclesPersistence driven by clarity of purpose allows individuals to surpass early setbacks, transforming rejection and failure into eventual success. 
Rapport and Personal Trust are Non-Negotiable in Complex InvestigationsBuilding authentic relationships on a human level unlocks sensitive information and facilitates cooperation in high-stakes cases. Barry Black's ability to establish trust with insiders was crucial in gathering valuable intel.
Communication is a Tactical Force Multiplier in High-Pressure OperationsEffective, precise communication prevents chaos and sustains team cohesion during critical incidents. Barry emphasized the importance of clear communication during the Waco siege to maintain focus and trust.
Emotional Resilience and Managing Secondary Trauma Are as Crucial as Technical SkillsMaintaining mental health requires processing secondary trauma and fostering team support. Barry Black managed his emotional weight through deliberate communication and peer support to prevent burnout.
Interagency Cooperation Rests on Personal Relationships, Not Just ProtocolsStrong personal bonds between agencies streamline information sharing and coordination. Barry's relationship-building efforts ensured smoother joint operations during complex investigations.
The Long-Haul Investigation Mindset Extends Beyond Media Attention
Thorough investigations continue long after public attention fades, focusing on evidence over headlines. Barry's work on the Oklahoma City bombing exemplified the patience and persistence required for justice.
Personal Narratives and Reflection Turn Challenging Careers into Powerful Lessons
Documenting and sharing stories creates a cathartic process and inspires future generations. Barry Black's memoir transformed his experiences into stories that serve as guidance for aspiring professionals.
 

What Comes Next for Wicklander-Zulawski — and Why the Foundation Matters with Nate Frazier

In this special episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI is joined by Nate Frazier—Founder and CEO of Red Knot Capital—and the thinking behind Red Knot’s acquisition of Wicklander-Zulawski. Through stories that span forensic interviewing, global leadership, mergers, and crisis management, Nate shares why Wicklander’s legacy, science-based methodology, and commitment to humanity made it a natural fit. This conversation isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about trust, stewardship, and what it looks like to honor a 40-year foundation while positioning a respected institution for its next chapter. If you care about communication, leadership, and doing difficult work the right way, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead.
Check out the press release here: Red Knot Capital Acquires Wicklander-Zulawski: Global Leader in Investigative Interviewing; Dave Thompson, CFI Named CEO - Wicklander-Zulawski
Learn more about WZ Training for your professional development!
 
This acquisition is about stewardship, not disruptionNate is clear that Red Knot’s role is to protect what already works at Wicklander-Zulawski while giving the company the support and resources to evolve responsibly—not to change its DNA or dilute its values .
Nate’s career path mirrors the Wicklander mindsetFrom forensic interviewing roots to leading massive organizations through mergers, crises, and turnarounds, Nate’s journey reinforces a core WZ belief: strong communication, preparation, and empathy scale at every level—from interviews to boardrooms .
Investigative interviewing skills are leadership skillsThe episode draws a direct line between rapport-building, behavioral baselines, and influence in investigations—and the same skills used to lead teams, negotiate acquisitions, and guide organizations through uncertainty .
Legacy matters—to Red Knot and to Nate personallyNate speaks candidly about why Wicklander stood out: a 40+ year track record, a system grounded in science and humanity, and a reputation built on integrity rather than shortcuts or coercive practices .
People—not playbooks—drive sustainable successAcross every role Nate has held, one theme is consistent: businesses win when leaders invest in people, respect human behavior under stress, and treat communication as a core operational capability .
Change is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destabilizingHaving lived through acquisitions from every angle, Nate acknowledges the fear that comes with ownership changes while emphasizing that transparency, preparation, and respect for culture make growth possible without chaos .
The future of Wicklander is expansion with intentionThis partnership creates opportunities to bring Wicklander principles into new industries and verticals—without compromising the standards, ethics, or humanity that built trust in the first place .

Under Pressure: A Hostage Negotiator’s Approach to High-Stakes Communication with Scott Tillema

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Scott Tillema — former SWAT hostage negotiator, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and practitioner with over two decades of experience — as he reveals how high-stakes communication tactics from crisis negotiation can transform leadership, decision-making, and everyday conversations. Scott breaks down his proven “Four Pillars of Negotiation” — Understanding, Timing, Delivery, and Respect — and shows how mastering these can help you build trust fast, influence others calmly, and steer tense conversations toward positive outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with business negotiations, conflict at work, or difficult personal conversations, Scott offers powerful, real-world tools to help you communicate clearly and confidently when it matters most.
Learn more about Scott here: Scott Tillema | High-Stakes Communication Keynote Speaker
 
Truths:
Public speaking can be a rewarding but challenging journey.
Connecting with the audience is key to impactful speaking.
Anxiety before speaking is normal and can be beneficial.
Negotiation is a team effort, not a solo act.
Understanding the other person's perspective is crucial.
Respect is essential for effective communication.
Timing can make or break a conversation.
Delivery involves more than just words; it's about how you say them.
Feedback is vital for improvement in communication skills.
Work-life balance is important for mental well-being.

5 Communication Myths We Need to Stop Believing: From Interrogations to the Boardroom with Michael Reddington, CFI

In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Michael Reddington, CFI to break down five of the biggest misconceptions about communication — in the interrogation room, the boardroom, and everywhere in between. From the myths of “control,” “rapport,” and “active listening” to the flawed belief that people owe us the truth, Dave and Mike unpack how these assumptions quietly sabotage influence. Together, they reveal the real skills that build trust, uncover information, and create better outcomes in high-stakes conversations.
Check out Part 2 of this Series on Mike's Podcast on YouTube - "I See What You're Saying"
Or visit on Spotify
We covered myths and misconceptions on this episode – listen to learn more as we debunk the following:
Buyers are liars
You need to keep control of the conversation
Excuses are bad
People owe you the truth
Active listening = Performative listening