Career growth and promotion are not the same thing

TalkLPnews podcast with Tim Bartlett, Vice President of Asset Protection, Dollar General

Tim Bartlett, Dollar General’s VP of Asset Protection, said that out loud, on the record, and meant it on the TalkLPnews Podcast with host Amber Bradley.
Six roles. Three promotions. And he’d make the same calls again.

Tim Bartlett spent 22 years moving sideways as much as up, through store ops, HR, and eventually LP, and has some strong opinions about why chasing the next title is the wrong obsession. This conversation covers lateral moves, building influence when you don’t have authority, and what he actually tells people who feel stuck.

Def worth your time.

One Risk to Luxury Brands that No One Thinks About

TalkLPnews Podcast with Secur-It: One Risk to Luxury Brands that No One Thinks About

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley chats with two industry veterans with 30+ years each in retail loss prevention and luxury asset protection: Tony Caccioppoli and Angel Gutierrez from Secur-It. These guys have seen it all and they know exactly what retailers need and what they DON’T need!

In this episode, Tony and Angel explain why luxury retail security is about so much more than just having someone stand at the door. They’re redefining what a “Luxury Protection Officer” (LPO) looks like — Oh, and Tony has some serious law enforcement connections in major cities across the country. Just saying. Check it out for the inside scoop on what luxury brands truly need!

AI Without the Server Farm: Here’s How

TalkLPnews and SAI Podcast: AI Without the Server Farm

TalkLPnews Host Amber Bradley is back with Pat O’Leary, Head of Sales of North America at SAI Group, for the next round of their AI rapid-fire chat. Spoiler alert: AI is no longer a buzzword, it’s a must have. The question isn’t if anymore, it’s how without drowning in hardware costs and getting stuck in a pilot that goes nowhere.

Pat breaks down why two-thirds of retailers can’t get past the pilot phase). Plus, vendor consolidation is having its moment, because nobody wants five different vendors doing five different things while their IT department silently plots revenge.

If you’re still shopping for one solution for shoplifting, another for self-checkout, and yet another for slip and falls… this episode is your wake-up call. Take a listen!

Successful Leaders Rarely Follow a Straight Line

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley and Javier Leal, Vice President of Vallarta Supermarkets

TalkLP podcast host Amber Bradley welcomes the newest APEX Executive Council member into the HOT seat: Javier Leal, Vice President of Asset Protection and Security for Vallarta Supermarkets. Javier’s career is uniquely unconventional spending more than 28 years at Vallarta but it wasn’t always a straight path to the VP seat. Javier has worked his way up from unboxing product to VP running his own program for nearly 70 stores. 

In this episode, Javier chats about building an LP program from scratch, why “managing people” is the wrong move, and why locking everything up is rarely the answer. He also drops some gold for solution providers. Take a listen!

Are You Arresting Your Way to a Safer Store?

Rhett Asher from ALTO with TalkLP Podcast Host Amber Bradley talking about Effective ways to keep repeat offenders from entering retail stores

TalkLP Podcast Host Amber Bradley sits down with Rhett Asher, SVP of Partnership Development at ALTO, to talk about how some retailers are trying to arrest their way to a safer store and why that’s not the best strategy.  Of course, investigate the crime, create the case for law enforcement partners….but that’s not where the process of success ends. Detection tools are great, but if less than 5% of offenders ever make it into the court system, nothing is actually changing. Rhett breaks down why repeat offenders keep walking back through the doors of retail stores, why prosecutors drop retail cases before they even start, and how closing the accountability gap is the only way to fix it.

Plus! A special announcement about the TalkLPnews and ALTO Legal Briefing events coming up throughout the year!

Register for ALTO’s Upcoming Legal Briefings:

Type & Date Topic Registration Link
Retail Crime Legal Briefing Q&A Southeast – Apr 14 at 2:00 p.m. From Incident to Accountability: Navigating Retail Crime in the Southeast https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HushXsbjQNKfJAHtzjym0g
Retail Crime Legal Briefing Q&A Midwest – May 28 at 2:00 p.m. Prosecution vs. Policy: Retail Crime in Reform-Driven States https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/56ykb-O1TkaXsFtJ8ZEKew
Retail Crime Legal Briefing Q&A Central – Aug 20 at 2:00 p.m. Texas SB 1300 and the Future of ORC Prosecution https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WIhEHb9WQ-W7IkIE2ayyKQ
Retail Crime Legal Briefing Q&A West/Pacific – Oct 22 at 2:00 p.m. California After Prop 36: What Retailers Need To Know Now https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yxnyXOu4RVmDdg58tgsJJQ

Stop Guessing at Risk. There’s a Framework for That.

TalkLPnews Podcast with Amber Bradley and Stephanie Meurer from NAVCO

TalkLPNews Host Amber Bradley sits down with Stephanie Meurer, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at NAVCO, and this convo is one for our broad thinkers out there re: enterprise risk.

After co-facilitating the hospitality track at APEX, Stephanie is bringing that same energy to the podcast to walk us through Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM), and no, that’s not the same thing as enterprise risk management. If you think your organization has already covered it, think again. Spoiler: there are always blind spots. If you’re still treating loss prevention like it lives in its own corner of the building, this episode is your wake-up call. Check it out!

For more information about NAVCO and their products, click here.

Need to be good at LP? Think like a Scientist.

TalkLP Podcast Host Amber Bradley sits down with Greg Murphy, VP of Risk Management at United Pacific, and honestly… is there anything this guy can’t do? How did Greg started out chasing shoplifters on the floor in the 80s and work his way up to running LP, HR, audit, safety, workers’ comp AND risk management for one of the largest convenience store/QSR chains in the West? 

Listen today to understand how to “think like a scientist” to truly shift your focus and possibly how you think!

Talking Tech with Tom: Talking Predictions for 2026

TalkLP podcast host Amber Bradley kicks off the new year talking tech, trends, and tough truths with Controltek CEO Tom Meehan in an unscripted conversation you won’t want to miss! In this podcast episode, Tom and Amber cover predictions for 2026, challenges of the supply chain fragility, return to office mandates, and why the “retail apocalypse” was never real, Amber and Tom break down what’s actually shaping the future of retail and LP.

And yes, our favorite topic of all… AI, is covered as well! From inventory accuracy, demand forecasting, theft pattern recognition, to reasons why ignoring AI might be the riskiest move of all. Tom and Amber answer controversial questions like: Is AI a bubble? Are jobs really at risk? And are LP teams ready to evolve past exception based reporting?

Other topics include: the rise of a potential chief resilience or geopolitical role, why brick-and-mortar still matters, how RFID adoption is finally having its moment, and what it really takes to build smarter, more resilient retail ecosystems.

For a sneak peek at Amber and Tom unpacking it all, unscripted and unfiltered, tune in now! …and if you’re ready to get practical with AI, grab Tom’s latest AI guide and start future proofing your skills today!

Tom’s AI guide – download it here.

TalkLP Top 10 Podcasts of 2025

Another year down and honestly… what a year! As we get ready to what’s coming next, it’s the perfect time to look back on the incredible wins of 2025. None of this would have been possible without the support we got along the way, and with that, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported TalkLP —seriously… THANK YOU!

Your engagement has played a huge role in helping TalkLPnews thrive, and we’re so grateful to be part of such an amazing industry. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out everything TalkLPnews has to offer:

And we’re not slowing down! Big, NEW things are coming soon!  Stay plugged in by downloading the app, joining the TalkLP LinkedIn Group, and subscribing here!

Let’s Count Down our TOP 10 most popular podcasts of 2025!

Number 10: Two Types of Power

TalkLP podcast host Amber Bradley chats with Jason Cornewell, Director of Global Supply Chain Loss Prevention and Operations at Finish Line/JD Sports North America talk creative financing for critical technology tools, health lifecycles, using tech to speak the business language, “high heat product,” smoke systems tying into a VMS, and more!

Take a listen to this industry veteran’s creative solutions for in-store theft and why it’s so important to partner with solution providers with open APIs (like March Networks)….oh, and a bonus: you HAVE to hear his “best career” advice ever – it’s tweetable…(or X-able)? Jason also talks about the 2 types of power in the world and why you should care about what type YOU have as a professional.

Number 9: Bosses vs. Leaders and the TRL Model at Macy’s

Joe Coll, Vice President of Asset Protection Operations and Strategy at Macy’s and TalkLP Host Amber Bradley discuss his 27- year career at Macy’s, his leadership lessons and the best (from the LEADERS) and worst advice (from the BOSSES) he ever received. They also dive into how Macy’s utilizes the Total Retail Loss methodology and how important the role of RFID plays in inventory visibility. No longer is RFID an ignored annoyance at the entrance > it’s now critical intel that even helps brick-and-mortar stores beat out online retailers!

Number 8: Why RFID Isn’t Boring Anymore & Myth Busting

TalkLP host Amber Bradley chats with Jamie Kress, Director of RFID Sales North America with Sensormatic, to discuss the recent RFID explosion! They dive into the reasons behind the newfound interest in the technology (omnichannel retailing, inventory, etc.), and why it is no longer a question of “will it work?” but “how do I make it work in multiple ways?” Jamie details the product inventory life cycle and how accuracy, visibility and the Total Retail Loss model are supported by Sensormatic’s Loss of Visibility Solutions product. Amber also gets him to bust some long-held RFID myths! You don’t want to miss it!

Number 7: Protecting 3,400 Locations Without Losing Your Mind

TalkLPNews Host Amber Bradley talks with Jeff Cox, Vice President of Loss Prevention at Public Storage, about keeping 3,400 locations safe across 43 states. From data science to 24/7 GSOC monitoring, Jeff’s team is on it. Plus, he shares career advice for future LP leaders: diversify your skills, tell your story, and invest in your team. Because in LP, every move counts, everywhere, every day.

This episode with Public Storage is proudly sponsored by March Networks. Want to learn more about the benefits of moving to cloud-based IP video surveillance with AI-powered analytics? Check them out here and book a demo here.

Number 6: U.S. Secret Service: Fraud Update

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley is stoked to chat with Michael Centrella, Assistant Director for the U.S. Secret Service. Michael explains the intersection between digital and physical threats that target infrastructure of the U.S. and what retailers should be worried about in the years to come. What’s the top fraud happening to businesses out there? To the tune of $10 TRILLION dollars last year…..Business Email compromise. Take a listen to hear Michael explain the scam and other major fraud schemes you should be aware of. Need a Secret Service partner? Call your local office! Michael talks about the offices in every major city and how available they are to retail partners. Here’s a listing.

We’re hoping to have Michael back to talk all the tea on his Presidential details – but I doubt it. He’s way too professional for that…

Number 5: The Real Rundown on Face Matching with Industry Veteran Bob O.

Industry veteran Bob Oberosler talks face matching including accuracy, industry myths, and why ‘wild faces’ matter! TalkLP podcast host, Amber Bradley, keeps it real discussing Bob’s past experience with face matching — what went wrong and what went right — and more industry myth busting! What about the complexities of face matching implementation? Does it take a server at every store? Apparently not! Take a listen as they dive into the details that some might ignore! Check it out!

Grab more info on real face matching facts by downloading Bob O’s whitepaper here.

Number 4: A Tech and Investigation Mindset Balancing Act

TalkLP host Amber Bradley welcomes 40-year veteran John Talamo, Sr. Vice President of Asset Protection of Victoria’s Secret to the TalkLP seat to discuss tech and high-functioning LP professionals.  They dive into many trends driving loss prevention now. They chat about tech and how the department is powered by analytics, putting the right people in the right place. But is there an overreliance on technology?  How is it eroding the powers of observation and physical inspection? Check out this podcast to hear his answers and how he’s remained at the top of the game for so long! And…..Leaders ARE Readers! Check it out!

Number 3: NRF’s LP Council Chair Scott McBride Chats with TalkLP from NYC

TalkLP Podcast host Amber Bradley gets NRF’s LP Council Chair and Chief Global Asset Protection Officer and CSO at American Eagle Outfitters Inc., Scott McBride, in the hot seat during the NRF BIG SHOW in NYC! They dive right into retail’s future in 2026, discussing real-time inventory and the diversification of supply chains, how LP is the 2nd highest industry user of AI, and the move to the Total Retail Loss methodology. Scott also offers insights into the staggering statics surrounding Millennials and GenZ consumers and their perspective towards retail theft. His motto: Internal or external, you have to meet the customer where they are. Amber may have also coined herself as the Barbara Walters of LP News! Listen now!

Number 2: HSI Explains What’s Next for Fraudsters

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Raul Aguilar, Senior Director Law Enforcement Partnerships North America at Auror, (formerly the Deputy Assistant Director of Transnational Organized Crime at the U. S. Department of Homeland Security) and Adam Parks, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to talk about one thing that is on every retailer’s mind, Gift Card Fraud. Not only do they dive into an update on Operation Red Hook and the importance of law enforcement’s involvement with the retail community to help put the pieces of these organized crimes together – BUT Adam shares what’s next on the fraudster’s hit list. Adam also lays out his NEW – HOT off the PRESS – 7 recommendations for any retailer to stay on top of gift card fraud in their stores and they discuss a vulnerable space in retail that he believes is the next target of these crime groups. It is already being tested by the criminals!! Listen now and learn some helpful changes you can make today.

Number 1: Finally…what the hell to do with AI!

Mike Matta, CEO of Solink and Cathy Langley, Senior Leader, Asset Protection with Solink have a candid discussion with TalkLP Host Amber Bradley about HOW and WHY to use artificial intelligence specifically for the loss prevention function!  Not only does Mike and Cathy set the stage for the evolution of technology TO artificial intelligence BUT they actually provide real examples of “old” problems that can be solved with AI while Asset Protection practitioners move on to more complex problems.  This duo also provides context for utilizing AI – when, where, how – while defining REAL questions to ask for ensuring you’re partnering with the right innovators without being obsolete by the end of rollout!!

Check out this unbiased and problem-solving discussion with this technology AND retail experts!

These were the top 10 most popular, by super narrow margin, so check out the other value-packed podcasts here.  And yes, we know we didn’t give many of the Q4 released podcasts a chance!  So don’t miss them here!

Click here with your phone or scan the QR code below for easy downloading! 

Yes, you CAN use AI. Here’s how (exactly).

Ok, Ok – guys! We heard you all fan-girling out over Shaun Jackson’s panel participation at the Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) conference…..and we got him on the podcast! (you’re welcome) In this episode, TalkLP Podcast Host Amber Bradley chats with Shaun Jackson, Executive Director of Risk Management for Panda Restaurant Group about artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it for simple and complex tasks. YOU (yes, you) can get started using AI today by thinking about the examples and strategies that Shaun expertly articulates in this podcast! Take a listen (and a deep breath) – you can do it!

This podcast episode is sponsored by a company that also prides itself on REAL talk about how AI solutions can benefit your entire organization AND it’s actually affordable because it’s not hardware-heavy. Need help with self-checkout? They’ve got that. Out-of-stocks? They’ve got it. Questions about real AI that is proven to work? Ask SAI. Find out more by visiting them at NRF’s BIG Show booth 6668 or contact them here.

SAI Group (Store-wide Active Intelligence) is a computer vision and GenAI company that provides comprehensive retail intelligence solutions. Founded in 2018, we partner with retailers to use AI technology for loss prevention, store safety, operational efficiency, and customer insights all from existing camera infrastructure. We do this using patent granted algorithms developed by us over years using real Retail data from global Retailers