Robin Nagele, Sergeant Major (Ret.), U.S. Army Military Police Corps, and founder of Nagele Security Advisors, joins Megan for a conversation that moves from a chance meeting in a Dunedin, Florida parking lot to the real, practical habits every solo-traveling woman needs on the road. It’s part reunion, part masterclass in situational awareness, equal parts heart and hard-won expertise.
In This Episode
[00:00] Megan welcomes Robin and sets the stage: personal safety is the #1 fear she hears from women in the Solo Travel Sisterhood community and why this conversation is about empowerment, not fearmongering
[02:35] Robin’s path from a hard childhood to 21 years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, corporate security at Starbucks HQ, and a decade in executive protection and the “why” that connects it all
[05:44] The one lesson from his career that’s stuck with him: it can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime
[06:32] How Megan met Robin and his partner Cristy in 2020, in a Dunedin, Florida parking lot, and how a golf cart ride to watch the sunset turned into a lifelong friendship
[07:52] The advice Robin and Cristy gave Megan that got her through her divorce, including the line she says she’ll remember for the rest of her life
[10:52] The first question Robin asks any woman about to book her first solo trip and why it matters more than any packing list
[13:17] The most common blind spots first-time solo travelers have: being overly trusting, and over-relying on technology
[17:53] Pre-trip prep that actually matters: itineraries, backups, document copies, and why packing light keeps you safer
[24:19] What real situational awareness looks like on the ground: reading a room’s “baseline,” the five color codes of awareness, and the Secret Service’s #1 tool
[29:31] How to tell the difference between the instincts that lead to the best travel memories and the ones trying to warn you, plus the book Robin says every traveler should read
[35:18] Robin’s one non-negotiable rule for every solo traveler
[36:19] Robin’s dream destination (hint: he’s not leaving the country)
Memorable Quotes
“There is life after death.” — Robin, on getting Megan through her divorce
“My why is protecting people and securing assets. I’m a man of action, and I like to put that toward good.” — Robin, on the thread connecting his Army, Starbucks, and executive protection careers
“Trust your gut. That feeling is your subconscious picking up on cues before your brain has a chance to figure it out.” — Robin, on why instinct beats overthinking
“Give yourself permission to be rude. No is a complete sentence — say it with authority.” — Robin, on setting boundaries with strangers while traveling solo
Resources Mentioned
The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker — Robin’s go-to read on trusting your instincts
Life360 — one option Robin mentions for sharing your location with trusted people back home
Taken (2008) — the movie Robin references when talking about how predators work in train stations, bus stations, and airports
About Robin Nagele
Robin Nagele is an expert security advisor, author, and practitioner with more than four decades of real-world experience protecting people and securing assets. His career spans the full spectrum of federal law enforcement, global corporate security, and high-threat personal and executive protection.
Robin served 21 years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, rising to the top enlisted rank of Sergeant Major (E-9). In the private sector, he oversaw physical security worldwide as the corporate physical security manager for Starbucks Coffee Company Headquarters. Robin’s protective background also includes directing executive protection operations for high-profile figures and corporate leaders, assessing threats, and navigating dynamic environments across the globe.
Robin and his partner, Cristy, became close friends of Megan’s in 2020 and have been part of her life, and now this show, ever since.
Connect & Follow
Follow Robin
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rcnagele
Website: nagelesecurityadvisors.com
Follow Megan & Belong to Where You Are
Solo Travel Sisterhood (free community)
Substack: belongtowhereyouare.com
TikTok: @belongtowhereyouare
Instagram: @belongtowhereyouare_
