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.

Leading and Managing Through Crisis with John Rabin, FEMA
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is John Rabin. Mr. Rabin currently serves as the FEMA Assistant Administrator for Response, where he is responsible for the delivery of a coordinated Federal emergency

The Influence of Education and Learning on Leadership and Performance with Captain Gabe Angemi, Camden NJ FD
The recording you will hear in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast features LUF tactical leadership advisor Gabe Angemi. Gabe is a second-generation member of the Camden NJ Fire Department. He presently serves as a Captain

Policing and Performance Under Pressure with Lt David Pawling, Barrington Police Department
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is Lieutenant David Pawling. Lieutenant Pawling started with the Barrington New Jersey Police Department in 2011. He previously served as a Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant, and

Expanding Leadership Development to Meet Emerging Challenges with Jacob Dutton
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is Jacob Dutton. Jake is an FDNY firefighter currently assigned to Rescue Co. 1 in Manhattan. He also serves as a Human Performance Analyst and Course

Earning Longevity on the Fire Floor and Beyond with Firefighter James Lopez, FDNY R-2
In episode number 10 of this podcast, we featured FDNY Firefighter and LUF Human Performance Advisor James Lopez. During the episode we discussed many timeless topics related to physical and tactical fitness as well as enjoyment and quality of life.

Remembering FDNY Chief William “Bill” M. Feehan
In this Podcast episode, we’re honored to share the story of FDNY Chief William M. Feehan’s leadership, service, and devotion to his family and the FDNY, compliments of insight from his son, FDNY Battalion Chief John Feehan, his grandson Firefighter

Revisiting the LUF Series: Remembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano–Part II
July 2023 marked the 5th anniversary of FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano’s passing, and several members of the Leadership Under Fire team thought it appropriate to reflect on the many lessons and words of wisdom that “the Vig” provided us,

Revisiting Mental Sweat with Mental Performance Coach Hannah Huesman
The original broadcast date for this episode was October 24, 2019. It features Hannah Huesman who was a Mental Performance Coach with the Philadelphia Phillies at the time of this recording. Huesman has since accepted the role of Mental Performance

Building a Company to Perform Under Pressure with Capt Brian McNulty, Milwaukee FD
The recording you will hear in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast features longtime LUF contributor Brian McNulty and was recently delivered as an online presentation to leaders enrolled in the online LUF Optimizing Tactical

Revisiting Leading with Character and Curiosity: From Combat to Moneyball with Sandy Alderson
The original broadcast date for this episode was July 30, 2020, and features host Patti Murphy and American baseball executive Sandy Alderson, general manager of the NY Mets at the time. Sandy currently serves as the President of the NY

Growth and Gratitude Compliments of the Competitive Grind with Capt Aaron Miller, Fairfax County FRD
Our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast is Aaron Miller. Miller is a Captain with the Fairfax County (VA) Fire and Rescue Department. During this episode, listeners will learn about how Miller’s high-level

Asking Questions to Inform Decisions and Leadership with LUF Chief Mentor Jim Roussell, USMC (Ret) & Chicago PD (Ret)
The following interview was hosted by LUF’s Human Performance Advisor and Senior Man’s Performance Journal author, Jim McNamara. The conversation was recorded at our 2023 National Leadership and Performance Summit, which was held in Annapolis, Maryland. The interview features Jim Roussell

Humanizing Performance Under Pressure with Captain Liam Flaherty, FDNY
The recording you’ll hear in this episode took place at our National Leadership and Performance Summit in Annapolis, Maryland, in April 2023. It features FDNY Captain of Rescue Co. 2, Liam Flaherty. We hope you enjoy this conversation and its

Leadership and Performance Under Sea with LCDR Ty Daniels, USNR
The conversation you will hear in this episode was recorded in April 2023 at our National Leadership and Performance Summit, which took place in Annapolis, Maryland. It features LUF Founder Jason Brezler interviewing Ty Daniels, a seasoned US Submarine Officer

Pivoting and Performing in the Face of Adversity with Seankelly McCauley, Philadelphia Fire Department
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast, host Patti Murphy is joined by Philadelphia Firefighter Seankelly McCauley. Sean comes from a family of FDNY firefighters, and it was always assumed that he’d follow in his father and great

Revisiting Risk, Restraint and Resilience in Lethal Environments with James Roussell, USMC (Ret) & Chicago PD (Ret)
The original broadcast date for this episode was June 4, 2020, but the interview you will hear with our guest in this episode was recorded in early 2019 at a Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Summit, which took place in

Rethinking NIOSH LODD Reports from a Human Factors Perspective with Jason Brezler, Jim McNamara and Jerry Smith Jr.
During the summer of 2022, members of the Leadership Under Fire team formed a working group that endeavored to examine NIOSH reports which detail structural firefighting operations that resulted in the line of duty deaths (LODDs) of firefighters and fire

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