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 Obstacles Persistence 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 Investigations Building 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 Operations Effective, 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 Skills Maintaining 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 Protocols Strong 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.

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!

1. This acquisition is about stewardship, not disruption Nate 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 .
2. Nate’s career path mirrors the Wicklander mindset From 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 .
3. Investigative interviewing skills are leadership skills The 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 .
4. Legacy matters—to Red Knot and to Nate personally Nate 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 .
5. People—not playbooks—drive sustainable success Across 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 .
6. Change is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destabilizing Having 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 .
7. The future of Wicklander is expansion with intention This 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 .

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.