PODCAST
The Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast (formerly Optimizing Human Performance 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. The podcast features guests who are performance leaders in a myriad of industries and explores human performance at the tactical/individual level, the operational/team level as well as the organizational level. The LUF Human Performance podcast endeavors to synthesize ideas, concepts and practices from divergent industries where uncertainty, risk, time-pressure and resource limitations are pervasive, and the consequences of sub-optimal performance are severe.

Leadership Development: From Fallujah to the Fireground with Jeremy Starr, USMC/Milwaukee FD
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is Jeremy Starr. Jeremy enlisted in the Marine Corps in August 2004. Private First Class Starr received orders to 2nd BN 7th MARINES after graduating from

Navigating Risk: Stories with Renowned Skier, Mountaineer and Climber Craig Calonica
Our accomplished expert in this episode is former US speed skier, mountaineer, and climber, Craig Calonica. Craig is a world-renowned adventurer who has great insight on risk and leadership. He has four decades of experience navigating daring and dangerous assents

Leadership Continuity in a High-Risk, Ever-Changing World with Lt Jack Meara, FDNY
Our guest in this episode, FDNY Lieutenant Jack Meara, comes from a long line of FDNY firefighters and proudly joined the Department in 1982. He was first assigned to Engine Co. 67 in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, which

“Bringing Ridge Home” with Assistant Chief Derek Alkonis, Los Angeles County Fire Department (Ret.)
The interview you’ll hear in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is a bit of a departure from the conversations we typically share, but is an extraordinary story steeped in adversity and resilience. Our guest,

Morale and Mindset in Lethal Environments with LtCol Andrew Terrell, USMC
In this episode, listeners will hear a brief, but poignant presentation given by then-Marine Corps Major Andrew Terrell (bio below). This recording took place in Pennsylvania in October 2012 at the first Leadership Under Fire Making Yourself Hard to Kill

Moving Forward, Looking Ahead with Jason Brezler and Jim McNamara
This is a continuation of our annual year in review conversation on the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast. In this episode, host Patti Murphy is joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Human Performance Advisor Jim McNamara. Please

End of Year Reflection with Jason Brezler and Jim McNamara
Please enjoy our annual year in review conversation on the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast. In this episode, host Patti Murphy is joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Human Performance Advisor Jim McNamara. As 2022 comes to

LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Capt Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lt Michael Scotto (Ret)–Part II
This is the second and final installment of the Leadership Under Fire Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Captain Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lieutenant Michael Scotto (Ret). In August of 2022, LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara hosted a conversation with both leaders who

A Recipe for High Performance Under Pressure with Dr. Jonathan Fader
This episode marks a proud milestone for our team. It’s our 100th episode! We deeply appreciate our incredible guests who have trusted us to tell their stories and showcase their lifelong work, to include our guest in this episode, Dr. Jonathan

LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Capt Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lt Michael Scotto (Ret)–Part I
This episode is part one of two. What you’ll hear is a recording of a live event. The “Fireside Chat” is a staple of Leadership Under Fire leadership development and human performance resident programs. The conversation affords seasoned leaders the opportunity

John Boyd, a Fast Corvette and a Faster Fighter Jet with COL Ronald E. Catton, USAF (Ret.)
This episode features the recording of a discussion that was held at the 2018 Leadership Under Fire National Conference in Evanston, Illinois. The team was grateful to all of the leaders who contributed to the event and the types of individuals

A Lineage of Mission-Oriented Leadership with Chief Bob Hoff, Chicago FD (Ret.)
In this episode, you’ll hear the recording of a presentation that was delivered at a 2018 Leadership Under Fire National Conference in Evanston, Illinois. The team was humbled by the caliber of leaders who contributed to the event and the types

Remembering FDNY Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Sr.–Part II
On September 11, 2001, Deputy Chief Raymond Downey was the commanding officer of FDNY Special Operations Command. Tragically, he was one of the 343 members of the FDNY who made the Supreme Sacrifice on 9/11 while trying to save innocent victims. Chief

Psycho-Neurobiology and Resilience with Dr. Charles “Andy” Morgan
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is Dr. Charles “Andy” Morgan. Dr. Morgan’s neurobiological and forensic research has established him as an international expert in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), in eyewitness memory

Remembering FDNY Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Sr.–Part I
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast, and the one to follow, we’re honored to share the story of Deputy Chief Ray Downey’s devotion to his family, his faith and his beloved FDNY compliments of the

Revisiting Measuring Rigor with Timothy Clarke
In this episode, we’re revisiting a conversation with Tim Clarke that was recorded in 2019. Tim is a Brooklyn native who has lived most of his life in New York City. After several years of competing with some of the

Revisiting the Contributions and Legacy of Charles “Sid” Heal
The original broadcast date for this episode was November 7, 2019. Charles “Sid” Heal was much more than a subject matter expert on doctrine – he was a US Marine Chief Warrant Officer 5, a combat veteran of four conflicts to

Optimizing Performance at Fires and Emergencies in the Cherry Hill NJ Fire Department
In the Spring of 2022, the Leadership Under Fire Team launched an Optimizing Human Performance Program with the Cherry Hill NJ Fire Department. The program strives to equip fire officers, firefighters and EMS providers with a comprehensive understanding of human performance,

Leading and Competing with a Walk On Mentality with Adam Casey
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast is Adam Casey. Born and raised in St. Louis, MIssouri, Adam attended the University of Missouri (aka Mizzou) where he was a walk-on for the Tigers football team

Learning and Leading with FDNY Battalion Chief Jason Cascone
Battalion Chief Jason Cascone has served in the FDNY since 2001. He is currently assigned to Battalion 17 in the Bronx. Prior assignments include Engine 67 and Ladder 36 as a firefighter, Engine 332 as a lieutenant and Ladder 11

Purpose and Performance as a Pararescueman with Doug Kechijian
Doug Kechijian is a physical therapist and CEO and co-founder of Resilient Performance Systems. Resilient seeks to systematically explore the continuum between acute rehabilitation and athletic performance. Resilient’s clientele includes athletes and operators from Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball

LtCol Justin Constantine, USMC–A Life of Service Well Lived
On Thursday, May 5, 2022, US Marine LtCol, attorney and veteran advocate Justin Constantine passed away at the age of 52 after a long bout with cancer. While on a combat patrol with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines in October 2006, Justin was severely wounded by an Al Qaeda

Climbing Everest Without Oxygen and With Morality with Ed Webster
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast, you’ll hear from American climber and author, Ed Webster. This recording of Webster reflecting on risk and resiliency took place in Pennsylvania in October 2012 at the first

“See the World Differently” with LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret)
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast, we welcome back to the show LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret). Black was featured on the podcast in early February 2020 in episode #27 where he discussed leadership in

LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner–Part II
This is the second and final installment of our Leadership Under Fire Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner. Both individuals have worked in some of the busiest companies in the FDNY and served in the United

Cold Case Investigations: Serving Justice and Building Resilience with Detective Wendell Stradford, NYPD (Ret)
On September 11, 2021, Wendell Stradford marked his 63rd birthday, the birth of his granddaughter, and the end of his nearly forty-year (38 years 8 months and 22 days) career with the NYPD. Detective Stradford aged out of service after having

LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner–Part I
This episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast is hosted by Jim McNamara and features FDNY Battalion Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner. Both individuals have worked in some of the busiest companies in the

Reflections on a Family Legacy with Deputy Chief Jim Ginty, FDNY (Ret)
Deputy Chief James Ginty is a 37 year veteran of the FDNY. Assigned as a probationary firefighter to Einge Co. 43/Ladder Co. 59 in 1984 to the war ravaged Bronx. Upon promotion to Lieutenant, an assignment to Ladder Co. 28

Rescue Company Command with Capt Brian McNulty, Rescue Co. 2, Milwaukee FD
Leadership Under Fire founder Jason Brezler hosts this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. Our guest in this episode is Captain Brian McNulty of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s Rescue Company 2. Capt McNulty joined the ranks of the

Cultivating Personal and Team Resilience with Jennifer Baker
In this episode, you’ll hear the final installment of a recording captured in 2019 at a Leadership Under Fire Summit in Annapolis, Maryland. This talk is a departure from the interviews featured on this podcast and offers a glimpse into

A Reflection on Individual Risk and Resiliency with FDNY Firefighter Brendan Cawley
FDNY firefighter Brendan Cawley is a survivor of the horrific Black Sunday Fire which occurred in the Bronx on the morning of January 23, 2005. Brendan is one of six members who jumped from the top floor of a 4-story

A Historic Human Performance Episode of the Equitable Building Fire
2022 marks the 110th anniversary of the Equitable Building Fire in New York City. On January 9, 1912, the Equitable Life Assurance Building located in Manhattan’s Financial District caught fire after a match was carelessly thrown into a trash can. Within

2021 Year In Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara
In this episode, host Patti Murphy is joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Human Performance Advisor James McNamara. If you’re tuning into this podcast for the first time, you can listen to episodes no. 5 and 12 to

Smarter Not Harder with David Sears, US Navy SEAL (Ret)
Commander David Sears (Ret) served twenty years of active military duty as a US Navy SEAL officer. He served on multiple east coast SEAL Teams, Naval Special Warfare Development Group, various Joint Commands, and Headquarters United States Special Operations Command.

Breathing for Warriors with Dr. Belisa Vranich
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast we welcome back to the show renowned clinical psychologist and breathing expert Dr. Belisa Vranich. Since we last featured her on the podcast in early 2019, Dr. Vranich

Miracle in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush with Shaun Cullen, FDNY and Air National Guard
This episode of the Optimizing Human Performance Podcast is hosted by Leadership Under Fire Founder Jason Brezler. Our guest is Shuan Cullen, a native New Yorker who graduated from Iona College in 2001 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in

Optimal Human Performance During the FDNY War Years with DC Joseph DiBernardo (Ret) & Capt Louie Andrade (Ret) Part II
This is the second and final installment of our second Virtual Fireside Chat. The conversation affords seasoned leaders the opportunity to candidly reflect on leadership lessons and human performance principles resulting from the many wins and losses they’ve experienced. This

Fire in My Eyes with Paralympian LT Brad Snyder, US Navy EOD
Leadership Under Fire Human Performance Data Analyst Timothy Clarke guest hosts this episode of the Optimizing Human Performance Podcast featuring Brad Snyder. Brad is a multi-time Paralympic Gold Medalist in swimming and triathlon. In September 2011, while serving in the US Navy, Brad

Optimal Human Performance During the FDNY War Years with DC Joseph DiBernardo (Ret), Capt Louie Andrade (Ret)—Part I
This episode is part one of two, and is a recording of a live event. The “Fireside Chat” has become a staple of Leadership Under Fire leadership development and human performance resident programs. In early 2021, the LUF Team decided to launch

What Science Informs Us About Resilience with Dr. George Bonanno
According to psychologist and emotions expert Dr. George Bonanno, all of us share a surprising ability to be resilient. The interview you will hear in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast featuring Dr. Bonanno was recorded in

Remembering FDNY Captain Patrick J. “Paddy” Brown
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. To mark this anniversary on the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast, we are honored to tell the valiant story of Captain Patrick J. “Paddy” Brown,

Resilience in Mission-Critical Teams with Dr. Preston Cline and Coleman Ruiz
Co-founders of the Mission Critical Team Institute, Dr. Preston Cline and Coleman Ruiz, are our guests in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. The interview you will hear was recorded in early 2019 at a

LUF Virtual Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Lieutenants Danny Murphy & Dennis Gordon (Ret)–Part II
This is the second and final installment of our first Virtual Fireside Chat. The conversation affords seasoned leaders the opportunity to candidly reflect on leadership lessons and human performance principles resulting from the many wins and losses they’ve experienced. This

Freedom with Sebastian Junger
In this episode, we welcome back to the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast American author, journalist, and filmmaker Sebastian Junger to discuss his latest book, Freedom. In three succinct chapters, Junger takes us on a physical and philosophical

LUF Virtual Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Lieutenants Danny Murphy & Dennis Gordon (Ret)–Part I
This episode is part one of two. What you’re about to hear is a recording of a live event. The “Fireside Chat” has become a staple of Leadership Under Fire leadership development and human performance resident programs. The conversation affords seasoned

Optimal Performance at Wildfires, Off-road and in the Backcountry with BC Thomas Smith, CAL FIRE
Our guest in this episode is Battalion Chief Thomas Smith from CAL FIRE Nevada Yuba Placer Unit and the Placer County Fire Department. Smith started his career in 2005 as a Firefighter with the North Tahoe Fire Protection District. In 2006, he

From Renegade to Reformer with Capt Gabe Angemi, Camden NJ FD
Gabe Angemi 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 is a member of

Exploring the Complexities of the FDNY War Years with Joe Flood
Journalist Joe Flood is the founder of n2 Communications and the author of the book The Fires, which examines New York City’s 1970s fire epidemic and fiscal crisis. In The Fires, Flood provides an X-ray of the inner workings of NYC during the ‘70s

Leading as a Performance Pioneer in Professional Baseball with Rachel Balkovec
Rachel Balkovec is making history this 2021 season as the first woman hired by a major league baseball team to work as a full-time hitting coach. Balkovec currently serves as a minor league hitting coach for the New York Yankees

Battle-Tested: Service and Sacrifice with FDNY Lt Josh Wiener, USMC (Ret)
Josh Wiener is a Lieutenant in the FDNY and is currently assigned to the Rescue Battalion. His previous assignments were to Division 7 as a covering Lieutenant, Squad 252 and Ladder 133 as a firefighter. Josh also spent 20 years