NEW YORK – Evy Poumpouras served as a Secret Service agent to Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton, is a former interrogator for the Department of Defense’s elite polygraph unit, has completed classified missions from Bueno Aires to Beirut to Russia, is the recipient of the U.S. Secret Service Valor Award for her heroism on 9/11, and now co-stars in Bravo’s Spy Games. A national hero, Poumpouras has also written a timely and essential guide to helping others live fearlessly, too, titled Becoming Bulletproof: Protect Yourself, Read People, Influence Situations, and Live Fearlessly.

In the book, Poumpouras shares lessons learned from protecting presidents, as well insights and skills from the oldest and most elite security force in the world to help you prepare for stressful situations, instantly read people, influence how you are perceived, and live a more fearless life.

In these uncertain times, Poumpouras can provide concrete survival skills, ways to avoid scammers, and techniques to not let fear takeover.

Actress, television personality, New York Times bestselling author, and fellow Greek-American Maria Menounos shares her praise on the book’s back cover, “Evy’s insight into safety and self-defense is second to none. In addition to her incredible knowledge, training and experience she is battle tested and proven having stood tall for our country when so many lives were on the line including her own. For anyone concerned over personal safety in these challenging times, this book is a must read.”

An on-air national TV contributor who frequently appears on NBC, MSNBC, CNN, and HLN, Poumpouras holds a MA in forensic psychology from Argosy University and a MS from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She is also an adjunct professor for The City University of New York where she teaches criminal justice and criminology.

Poumpouras spoke with The National Herald about the book and how her Greek heritage informs her life and work.

TNH: What inspired you to write the book?

Evy Poumpouras: I wanted to write a book that would impact the world in a positive way. To help make it a better, wiser, and more just place. A book that would be of significance to people’s lives. My previous career as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service was all about service – about giving to others and contributing to society, as well as my country. My goal with Becoming Bulletproof was to embody that same belief system.

TNH: How long did the book take from idea to publication?

EP: Becoming Bulletproof has been 20 years in the making. It is a compilation of my training and experience, my education and knowledge, the skills and tools that I was given, as well as my successes and failures. Frankly, I have learned more from the failures and adversities I faced than anything else.

TNH: How has your Greek heritage informed your life and work?

EP: My Greek heritage helped shape my life in so many ways. Listening to stories my father told me about our ancient ancestors such as King Leonidas of Sparta, the great warrior Achilles, and Alexander the Great gave me a strong warrior mindset. I went to a Greek-American school, Saint Demetrios of Astoria, where I learned about the bravery and strength of the Greeks who fought during our great wars, from their Independence from Ottoman Turkey after 400 years of slavery to holding off the Nazis longer than any other nation during World War II.

So I couldn’t help but see myself as a fighter – one who is there to protect others. Yet, I also know that at the same time I defied the traditional upbringing meant for a young Greek girl. The things I aspired to do-  joining the New York City Police Department and then the U.S. Secret Service – were somewhat frowned upon which at times made life challenging for me. Because I had to push on despite having others express disapproval over my decisions. But I had a steely resolve to do what I wanted, how I wanted, and in the way I wanted.

I owe a great deal to my parents, both of whom were born and raised in Greece, my father from Chios and my mother from Kilkis. They are the strongest, most resilient people I know. They endured and overcame so much. And they always did their best to guide and advise me. They are the ones who put me on my path to becoming bulletproof.

Published by Atria Books, Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras is available online and in bookstores.

More information is available online: EvyPoumpouras.com.