PODCAST · education
Leadership Under Fire
by Leadership Under Fire
The Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast provides a platform to prepare performance leaders to navigate the moral, mental, emotional, intellectual and physical rigors in high-risk and ultra-competitive settings by developing strength of mind, body, character and critical thought.
Episodes
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Unpacking Robert Coram’s “Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak” Part Two with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD
The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to scholarship and professional reading. LUF book clubs have been a conduit to meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought. Jim...
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Reading the Terrain: Lessons from the Mountains and the Fireground with FF Matthew Murphy FDNY
Matt Murphy is a 24-year veteran of the FDNY. He began his career with Ladder 34 in 2002 before joining Rescue 1 in 2009 and Rescue 3 in 2017. Outside the firehouse, Matt is an accomplished climber, chef, backcountry skier, and runner. His passion for the outdoors has played an important role in...
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A Remembrance Anthology - The 25th Anniversary of 9/11
Today, we remember the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, 2001. In this episode, we’ll revisit powerful reflections from some of our remembrance episodes over the years, honoring those who served, those who sacrificed, and those we lost that morning. But first, we’ll hear from...
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Going the Extra Mile(s): The Western States 100 with LT Shane McKeon, FDNY (Ret)
Today, we are speaking with retired LT Shane McKeon as he is about to embark on his journey to complete the Western States 100. Shane is a seasoned endurance athlete and dedicated student of leadership and performance. He joined the ranks of the FDNY in the aftermath of September 11th and spent...
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Building Tactical Proficiency with Capt Tim Young, SJCFR
Our guest on this episode of the Leadership Under Fire: Humanizing the Narrative podcast is Capt Tim Young of the St. Johns County Fire Rescue Department in Florida. Captain Young is a 22-year veteran of the department and currently serves at Station 14, having previously been assigned to Station...
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A Reflection on Service and Resilience with Det Joseph Vigiano, NYPD
Joseph John Vigiano is a former U.S. Marine and currently serves as a Detective with the NYPD's Emergency Service Unit (ESU), where he is assigned to Squad 7 in Brooklyn. Joe is a 2015 graduate of SUNY Maritime College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation and...
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Calm Leadership in Hell’s Hundred Acres with Capt Andrew Serra FDNY (Ret)
Captain Andrew Serra spent 25 years with the FDNY, beginning his career as a Firefighter in Ladder 131, with rotations in Engine 231 and Engine 155, before moving to Squad 1. He later served as a Lieutenant in Engine 231 and ultimately as Captain of Ladder 20. Beyond the firehouse, Capt Serra is…
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Leading at the Unit Level with Jerry Smith Jr. BCFD
Jerry Smith Jr. is a 24-year veteran of the Baltimore City Fire Department. He is assigned to Truck Co. 5 and presently detailed to Rescue Co. 1. He was previously assigned to Truck Company 15. Jerry is a twenty year member of the BCFD’s Dive Team and serves as a public safety scuba instructor.…
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Exploring Viktor Frankl’s “Man’s Search for Meaning” Part 2 with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret)
Since our formal inception more than a decade ago, the Leadership Under Fire (LUF) team has championed professional reading as a cornerstone of operational excellence. A close study of history’s most effective, mission-oriented leaders reveals a consistent thread: their success is closely tied to...
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Exploring Viktor Frankl’s “Man's Search for Meaning” with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret)
Since our formal inception more than a decade ago, the Leadership Under Fire (LUF) team has championed professional reading as a cornerstone of operational excellence. A close study of history’s most effective, mission-oriented leaders reveals a consistent thread: their success is closely tied to...
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Listening Makes Everyone Better with Lt Mike O'Connell FDNY
Our guest today is FDNY Lieutenant Mike O’Connell, a 10-year member of the Department. Before being promoted, he served as a firefighter with Engine 202 and Ladder 102 in Brooklyn. Mike is a graduate of St. John’s University and is a member of both the MPI and Leadership Under Fire teams.
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Revisiting Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with FF Bob Athanas, FDNY
This episode is hosted by Jim McNamara. For those tuning in for the first time, Jim is a senior Firefighter at the FDNY and serves as a Human Performance Advisor for Leadership Under Fire. He’s also the principal author of the Leadership Under Fire Senior Man’s Performance Journal. Bob Athanas is...
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Revisiting A Historic Human Performance Episode of the Equitable Building Fire with Lt Matt Connor FDNY
In this episode, we revisit a conversation between Patti Murphy and FDNY Lt Matt Connor covering the Equitable Building fire on January 9th, 1912. This event tested the courage and skill of the FDNY in some of the most extreme conditions. The 10-story building at 120 Broadway in Lower Manhattan…
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Reading and Responding to Black Swans with Jim Roussell USMC/CPD - Part 2
Since its formal inception more than a decade ago, the LUF Team has championed professional reading as a cornerstone of leader development. LUF believes that a close study of history’s most accomplished, mission-oriented leaders reveals a common thread: a deep engagement with literature and...
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Continuing a Legacy of Service and Humanity with Lt Christopher Horgan FDNY
Lt Chris Horgan is a member of the FDNY, currently assigned to Ladder 20 in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. He is a 20-year veteran of the department and previously served with Engine 84 and Ladder 34 in Washington Heights. In addition to his operational duties, Lt. Horgan has recently…
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Commanding with Competitive Conviction with BC Mike Rudasill, BCFD
Mike Rudasill serves as a Battalion Chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), assigned to the 3rd Battalion in West Baltimore. He joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1998 and has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles throughout his career, including Firefighter with…
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2025 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara
In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara. We reflect on the impact and reach of the Leadership Under Fire TEAM’s efforts in 2025. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s…
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Movement is Medicine with Dr. Dillon Caswell PT, DPT, SCS
Dr. Dillon Caswell is a Board Certified Sports Specialist Doctor of Physical Therapy, Human Performance Coach, and Top-Selling Author, who utilizes hope and modern neuroscience to replace the ‘nopes’ we face and empower desiring lifelong athletes to reclaim their birthright of healthy and…
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Consistency, Experience and Leadership with Capt. William Jasper BCFD
Captain Will Jasper served in the Baltimore City Fire Department for 28 years, spending his career in some of the city’s busiest and most storied companies. He entered the Fire Academy on February 22, 1994, and upon graduation was assigned to Truck 14 in Northeast Baltimore. He soon transferred…
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Principled Leadership with LtCol Kip Hughes
We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry while...
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The Humble Professional with FF Mike Conicelli FDNY
Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long...
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Leadership, Longevity and a Love for the Job with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch BCFD (RET)
Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.
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Build Talent as Soon as You Can with Captain Tim Buchenroth Lexington, KY FD
Today’s guest is Captain Tim Buchenroth, a 13-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim has been an active member of the LUF network since attending the team’s Columbus, Ohio, event in 2017. He is also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and currently resides...
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That's the Way Out with Deputy Chief Jay Jonas FDNY (RET)
Today we have the great honor of welcoming Deputy Chief Jay Jonas. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his...
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Poised Under Pressure in West Baltimore’s Streets of Fire with Lt Paul Novak Sr. BCFD
The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses. During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith. Lt...
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Revisiting Tribe with Journalist, Author and Filmmaker Sebastian Junger
“Thrilling” and “thought-provoking” are just two words to describe the work produced by our guest in this episode. Sebastian Junger is an American journalist, author and filmmaker whose work demands contemplation regarding what history, science and experience tells us about the ability to endure...
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Reflections in Command - Coffee with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD
In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations. He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah. Jim also shares lessons that he learned during...
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Building a Leadership and Tactical Performance File Cabinet with Shaun Ferguson CHFD
Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire…
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Unpacking CPT Adolf von Schell's "Battlefield Leadership" with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret)
In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged...
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Revisiting Jim McNamara's Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD
The following episode originally aired in July of 2020 featuring Jerry Smith of the Baltimore City Fire Department. This episode was released in two parts, but today we are re-releasing the episodes in its entirety. Jim McNamara hosts this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human...
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Risk, Resiliency and Rural Fire Operations with Trevor Meador Frederick County DFRS
Firefighter Trevor Meador is a member of the Frederick County, MD Fire and Rescue Department, currently assigned to Station 3 in downtown Frederick. Trevor is also an instructor in the Frederick County Training Academy, teaching a variety of topics, from Firefighter Safety and Survival, truck Ops...
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Luck Equals Preparation Plus Opportunity with LTC Mark Westphal USA and USAF
Today’s guest is Lt. Col. Mark Westphal, a highly accomplished leader with an extensive and diverse background. Mark grew up in Westchester County, New York before heading to Georgia Tech, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He also…
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Unpacking Robert Coram's "Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak" with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD
The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to scholarship and professional reading. LUF book clubs have been a conduit to meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought. Jim...
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Performance and Longevity in Professional Ironman Racing with Angela Naeth
Angela Naeth is a Canadian Professional Triathlete who made a significant mark on the sport with her exceptional performances in both Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in her 20 year long career. In 2015, she became the North American Ironman Champion, cementing her place among the elite…
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Enhancing Fireground Performance through Coaching with Kevin O’Connor, FDNY
Today’s guest is FDNY Firefighter Kevin O’Connor of Ladder 33 in the Bronx. Kevin is a 17 year member of the department and has represented the FDNY on countless occasions as a member of the Pipes and Drums band. He is a regular contributor to the FDNY’s MPI program and a Tactical Performance…
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Remembering Black Sunday with FF Brendan Cawley, FDNY
The FDNY suffered line of duty deaths at two separate fire operations on January 23, 2005, “Black Sunday.” Firefighter Richard Scalfani of Ladder Co. 103 was killed in the performance of his duties while operating a private dwelling fire on Jerome St. in the East New York section of Brooklyn.…
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2024 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara - Part 2
Today's episode is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with Jason Brezler and James McNamara where we continue to reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership…
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2024 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara - Part 1
In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara. In this conversation, we reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and...
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Legacy of Courage and Compassion with Kristina Moon
This episode features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and legacy. We’re honored to have Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY firefighter William (better known as “Billy”) Moon II, whose heroic act of organ donation after a tragic accident in December of 2022 has saved multiple lives and…
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Developing Grey Collar Professionals with Capt Gabe Angemi, Camden FD
In this episode, we present part two of a two-part conversation between Jason Brezler and Captain Gabe Angemi of the Camden Fire Department, which originally aired on October 31st. In part one, Gabe shared his experiences during the recovery efforts in Asheville, NC, following Hurricane Helene....
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The Willingness to Prepare Sets Us Apart with Captain Trevor Renadette FDNY
Today’s guest is Trevor Renadette. Trevor is a native of Plattsburgh, NY where he was born and raised before going to college at Plattsburgh State in 1998. After one year at university Trevor decided to take a break from school in order to join the NY Army Nation Guard. In 1999 he attended…
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Humanizing Real World USAR Operations with Capt Angemi, Camden FD
Our guest for this episode is Gabe Angemi. Gabe is a second-generation member of the Camden NJ Fire Department. He presently serves as a Captain and is assigned to Squad Company 7. Gabe has spent many years serving in Camden’s Special Operations companies and has been a member of NJ-TF1 FEMA USAR...
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Understanding the History Behind Our Why with FF Joanne Mariano, FDNY
Joanne Mariano is a firefighter with the FDNY assigned to L136 in Elmhurst, Queens, and formerly assigned to E225 in East New York, Brooklyn. Prior to joining the fire department, she was a lighting technician with IATSE Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in...
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Whoever Shows Up on a Cold Rotten Day with LUF Chief Mentor Jim Roussell
This conversation was originally recorded in May of 2024 when Jim Roussell spoke to leaders in the Baltimore City Fire Department during the BCFD’s first weeklong LUF Optimizing Human Performance (MPI) Course. Jim Roussell served with the Chicago Police Department for more than 36 years and spent...
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Drawing Hope from the Memories of Those Lost with Battalion Chief Pat Connolly
Battalion Chief Pat Connolly is a twenty-three year member of the FDNY. Chief Connolly began his career at Engine 39/Ladder 16 on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, then promoted to Lieutenant and was assigned to E231/TL120 in Brownsville Brooklyn. Chief Connolly promoted again to the rank of...
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Making Yourself Hard to Kill and the Limits of Operational Safety
This conversation is a continuation of an episode about Building the LUF Team which was published on May 16, 2024. LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara and Founder Jason Brezler revisit Leadership Under Fire’s origins and the genesis of LUF’s Making Yourself Hard to Kill construct, and more broadly the...
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Reading and Responding to Black Swans with Jim Roussell
Since our formal inception more than a decade ago, the LUF Team has championed professional reading. The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to a scholarly appreciation of…
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Purpose and Performance Under Pressure with Lt Ben Baus, Milwaukee FD Rescue Co. 1
Lieutenant Ben Baus joined the ranks of the Milwaukee Fire Department in 2012. As a firefighter, Ben served in Rescue Co. 1 and on the department’s Heavy Urban Rescue Team which provides technical rescue throughout the city and surrounding areas. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and is...
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Don't Do Ordinary with Lt Evan Bergman USAF
Today we are joined by LT Evan Bergman with the United States Air Force. Evan is a Tactical Air Control Party Specialist, or TACP, at the 15th Air Support Operations Squadron in Savannah Georgia. He spent most of his youth in Annapolis Maryland before attending the Virginia Military Institute…
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Protecting Courage with Chief Paul Conway
Paul Conway is a third-generation firefighter who served with the Milwaukee Fire Department for 31 years and retired as the Chief of Operations in 2012. He also served with the New Berlin Volunteer Fire Department for seventeen years. Paul used his fire service experience and passion to start...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast provides a platform to prepare performance leaders to navigate the moral, mental, emotional, intellectual and physical rigors in high-risk and ultra-competitive settings by developing strength of mind, body, character and critical thought.
HOSTED BY
Leadership Under Fire
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Leadership Under Fire have?
Leadership Under Fire currently has 190 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Leadership Under Fire about?
The Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast provides a platform to prepare performance leaders to navigate the moral, mental, emotional, intellectual and physical rigors in high-risk and ultra-competitive settings by developing strength of mind, body, character and critical thought.
How often does Leadership Under Fire release new episodes?
Leadership Under Fire publishes regularly with 190 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Leadership Under Fire?
You can listen to Leadership Under Fire on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Leadership Under Fire?
Leadership Under Fire is created and hosted by Leadership Under Fire.
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