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
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 fire service and other high-risk industries through programs, research, and publications.
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 athletic. With the strategy of Hope, Dr. Dillon Caswell has guided a range of beginners up to world-class athletes including former NFL players, ...
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 and spent the next seven years in some of Baltimore’s heaviest fire service companies, including Engine 52, Engine 8, and Engine 33. During...
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 continuing to serve in the Marine Reserves. He and his wife are raising five children, and he also serves as an elder in his church.
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 been part of the NYC bar scene and is an active practitioner of jiu-jitsu.
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.
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 in Kentucky with his family.
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 craft at the “Cross Bronx Express.” Seeking broader knowledge and experience, he transferred to Rescue Company 3, responding to some of the...
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 Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired in 2004. Lt Novak established himself as one of the department’s most experienced...
“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 hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Ac...
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 various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes. The conversation transpired over coffee in the f...
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 instructor cadre, teaching in both engine operations and hazardous materials disciplines.
As part of the recruit academy command staff, Shaun serve...
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 through experience, he’ll guide us through von Schell’s powerful reflections on decision-making, morale, and the human dimension of warfare.
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 Performance Podcast. Jim is a senior Firefighter at the FDNY and serves as a Human Performance Advisor for LUF. He's also the principal au...
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 and much more. Trevor also served in the USMC.
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 earned an MBA from LaSalle University. In his civilian career, Mark serves as the Chief Engineer for Special Operations Forces platforms and ...
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 Roussell has guided several LUF book clubs. Jim’s infectious commitment to professional reading was at the foundation of his preparation...
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 triathletes of her generation. Known for her strength in cycling and running, Angela has consistently delivered top performances at major events, in...
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 Coach helping members hone their skills on the fire floor.
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