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.

Remembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano–Part I
FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano was a resilient leader, dedicated to a life of service. On July 8, 2018, he passed away after a long battle with cancer, but left behind a far-reaching legacy. Captain Vigiano was a former Sergeant

2019 Summer Recap with Patti Murphy
This summer, we took a hiatus from publishing new episodes. But thanks to the brief pause, the Leadership Under Fire team accomplished a lot! In this episode, listeners are brought up to speed and get a glimpse of what’s to come

Capturing the Moment with NFL Defensive End Romeo Okwara
Romeo Okwara currently is a Defensive End for the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Prior to this, he played college football at Notre Dame and signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Born June 17, 1995,

High Performance in Tower Climbing with Troy Ryan
Renewable energy offers many benefits to the environment and its workforce. But while these are often great jobs, they can also be dangerous. Renewable energy workers are exposed to hazards that can result in fatalities and serious injuries. Many incidents

Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice Among Nurses with Stacy Shilling
Stacy Shilling has dedicated the last 21 years to educating patients and families about health and wellness as a Registered Nurse. After obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Virginia Wesleyan College, Stacy was awarded a grant from

Leading Your Peers with FDNY Senior Firefighter James McNamara
The Senior Firefighter is one of the most significant roles in the fire service. A member who carries this informal position can be a valuable source of experience, knowledge and leadership. Often their actions dictate the level of success that

Mission-Oriented Reform with Colonel Michael Wyly, USMC (Ret)
Michael Wyly enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1957 at the age of 17 and was commissioned as a US Marine Corps Second Lieutenant upon graduation from the US Naval Academy in 1962. Colonel Wyly served two tours in

Tactical Fitness with FDNY Firefighter James Lopez
The spectrum of fitness genres continues to expand. So, in this saturated—and often overwhelming—fitness market, how should you go about attaining a high-level of physical and tactical fitness while maximizing your enjoyment and quality of life? FDNY Firefighter James Lopez

Perseverance with MLB Hitting Coach Anthony Iapoce
In 2016—after a 108-year wait—the Chicago Cubs finally won the World Series. The Cubs’ journey from being a last place team to one of the most iconic in baseball history is charged with lessons learned on effective leadership, teamwork, culture

Risk and Resilience With a Navy SEAL Commander
In 2014, the Leadership Under Fire team hosted the 3rd Annual Making Yourself Hard to Kill Conference. During this event, a Navy SEAL Commander with extensive operational experience shared his thoughts on navigating risk, mutual trust, decision-making among SEAL teams

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

Ultra-Competitive Settings with Brendan and Danny Fowler
In an era where many elite athletes specialize in one sport, the Fowler brothers stand out. Brendan Fowler was a two-time NCAA Champion during his days of playing lacrosse at Duke, the NCAA Championship most outstanding player in 2013, and

Leadership Under Fire with FDNY FF and USMC Major Jason Brezler
Jason Brezler is the Founder and President of Leadership Under Fire (or LUF). In this episode, we’ll get to share how Leadership Under Fire came to be and how the LUF endeavor has evolved over time. We’ll also learn how

Breathing to Support Peak Performance with Dr. Belisa Vranich
It’s something we all do every day of our lives. Breathing! And yet, most of us are doing it wrong. In this episode, Dr. Belisa Vranich, a renowned clinical psychologist, public speaker and author, will tell us some surprising information

Career Reflection with FDNY Lt. Mickey Conboy
In 2018, the FDNY’s highest honor for the most outstanding act of heroism was awarded to Lieutenant Mickey Conboy. Lt. Conboy has more than 30 years with the FDNY. He is presently assigned to Rescue Co. #3 in the Bronx.

Life As Sport with Dr. Jonathan Fader
“Life As Sport.” It’s an approach to performance and everyday situations that Dr. Jonathan Fader strongly believes in based on his experience working with top athletes. Dr. Jonathan Fader is a licensed performance psychologist who served two seasons as the

Love and War with Photojournalist Lynsey Addario
Our guest in this episode has spent two decades traveling to some of the most dangerous and remote areas of the world—masterfully capturing all facets of the human experience. Lynsey Addario is an American photojournalist whose work appears regularly in