The Influence of Education and Learning on Leadership and Performance in the Fire Service with Gabe Angemi, Camden NJ FDThursday, November 02, 2023
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 and is assigned to Squad Company 7. Gabe has...
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Policing and Performance Under Pressure with Lt David Pawling, Barrington Police Department Thursday, October 19, 2023
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 Detective Sergeant before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2022. Lt...
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Expanding Leadership Development to Meet Emerging Challenges with Jacob DuttonThursday, October 05, 2023
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 Director for Leadership Under Fire. Listeners can hear more about...
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Earning Longevity on the Fire Floor and Beyond with Firefighter James Lopez, FDNY R-2Sunday, September 24, 2023
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. It’s hard to comprehend how much has transpired since our...
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Remembering FDNY Chief William “Bill” M. FeehanThursday, September 07, 2023
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 Connor Davan, and former FDNY Fire Commissioner and friend, Daniel...
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Revisiting the LUF Series: Remembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano–Part IIThursday, August 24, 2023
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, and share the ways in which they have continued to...
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Revisiting Mental Sweat with Mental Performance Coach Hannah HuesmanThursday, August 10, 2023
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 Coordinator for the Texas Rangers Organization. She also travels for...
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Building a Company to Perform Under Pressure with Capt Brian McNulty, Milwaukee FDThursday, July 27, 2023
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 Performance Under Pressure course. Brian joined the ranks of the...
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Growth and Gratitude Compliments of the Competitive Grind with Capt Aaron Miller, Fairfax County FRDThursday, June 29, 2023
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 baseball experience and competitive spirit influenced his leadership philosophy and...
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Asking Questions to Inform Decisions and Leadership with LUF Chief Mentor Jim Roussell, USMC (Ret) & Chicago PD (Ret)Thursday, June 15, 2023
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 who has served as one of the Leadership Under...
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Humanizing Performance Under Pressure with Captain Liam Flaherty, FDNYThursday, June 01, 2023
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 many takeaways, and encourage listeners to tune in to our...
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Leadership and Performance Under Sea with LCDR Ty Daniels, USNRThursday, May 18, 2023
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 with extensive insight into leadership and ethical behavior. We hope...
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Pivoting and Performing in the Face of Adversity with Seankelly McCauley, Philadelphia Fire DepartmentThursday, May 04, 2023
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 grandfather’s footsteps by achieving his lifelong dream...
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Revisiting Risk, Restraint and Resilience in Lethal Environments with James Roussell, USMC (Ret) & Chicago PD (Ret)Thursday, April 20, 2023
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 Annapolis, Maryland. Jim Roussell, a retired US Marine and...
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Rethinking NIOSH LODD Reports from a Human Factors Perspective with Jason Brezler, Jim McNamara and Jerry Smith Jr.Thursday, April 06, 2023
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 officers. The LUF team submitted its findings to NIOSH via...
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Leadership Development: From Fallujah to the Fireground with Jeremy Starr, USMC/Milwaukee FDThursday, March 23, 2023
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 recruit training and completing School of Infantry West. He served...
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Navigating Risk: Stories with Renowned Skier, Mountaineer and Climber Craig CalonicaThursday, March 09, 2023
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 and descents in some of the most extreme alpine locations...
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Leadership Continuity in a High-Risk, Ever-Changing World with Lt Jack Meara, FDNYThursday, February 23, 2023
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 was one of the most active companies coming out of...
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"Bringing Ridge Home” with Assistant Chief Derek Alkonis, Los Angeles County Fire Department (Ret.)Thursday, February 09, 2023
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, and his family, are currently navigating an international battle with...
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Morale and Mindset in Lethal Environments with LtCol Andrew Terrell, USMCThursday, January 26, 2023
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 Conference, which paved the way for future Leadership Under Fire...
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Moving Forward, Looking Ahead with Jason Brezler and Jim McNamaraThursday, January 12, 2023
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 listen to our previous episode recapping 2022, as this...
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End of Year Reflection with Jason Brezler and Jim McNamaraThursday, December 29, 2022
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 a close, we have much to reflect on. It...
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LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Capt Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lt Michael Scott (Ret)–Part IIThursday, December 15, 2022
This is the second and final installment of the Leadership Under Fire Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Captain Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lieutenant Michael Scott (Ret). In August of 2022, LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara hosted a conversation with both leaders who spent several decades serving and leading in the...
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A Recipe for High Performance Under Pressure with Dr. Jonathan FaderThursday, December 01, 2022
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 Fader. Dr. Fader was featured in episode two of...
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LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Capt Kevin Bourke (Ret) and Lt Michael Scott (Ret)–Part IThursday, November 17, 2022
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 to candidly reflect on leadership lessons and human performance...
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John Boyd, a Fast Corvette and a Faster Fighter Jet with COL Ronald E. Catton, USAF (Ret.)Thursday, November 03, 2022
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 who spent two days rigorously contemplating the moral, mental...
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A Lineage of Mission-Oriented Leadership with Chief Bob Hoff, Chicago FD (Ret.)Thursday, October 20, 2022
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 of leaders who rigorously contemplated the moral, mental and...
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Remembering FDNY Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Sr.–Part IIThursday, October 06, 2022
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 Raymond Downey was one of the Department’s most...
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Psycho-Neurobiology and Resilience with Dr. Charles “Andy” Morgan Thursday, September 22, 2022
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 and in human performance under conditions of high stress....
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Remembering FDNY Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey Sr.–Part IThursday, September 08, 2022
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 insight of his wife of 41 years, his sons...
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Revisiting Measuring Rigor with Timothy ClarkeThursday, August 25, 2022
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 best endurance athletes in the world as a Professional Triathlete,...
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Revisiting the Contributions and Legacy of Charles “Sid” HealThursday, August 11, 2022
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 include Vietnam and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a veteran LA...
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Optimizing Performance at Fires and Emergencies in the Cherry Hill NJ Fire DepartmentThursday, July 28, 2022
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, particularly under stress in high-risk settings. The immersive LUF...
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Leading and Competing with a Walk On Mentality with Adam CaseyThursday, July 14, 2022
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 from 2004 – 2008. After graduating with a...
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Learning and Leading with FDNY Battalion Chief Jason CasconeThursday, June 30, 2022
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 UFO as a captain. He holds a BBA in accounting...
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Purpose and Performance as a Pararescueman with Doug KechijianThursday, June 16, 2022
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 Association (NBA), professional mixed martial arts, X Games, Winter and...
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LtCol Justin Constantine, USMC–A Life of Service Well LivedThursday, June 09, 2022
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 sniper’s bullet...
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Climbing Everest Without Oxygen and With Morality with Ed WebsterThursday, May 19, 2022
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 Leadership Under Fire Making Yourself Hard to Kill Conference, which...
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“See the World Differently” with LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret)Thursday, May 05, 2022
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 a rapidly changing environment. Shortly after the episode aired,...
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LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner–Part IIThursday, April 21, 2022
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 State Navy prior to joining the Department....
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Cold Case Investigations: Serving Justice and Building Resilience with Detective Wendell Stradford, NYPD (Ret)Monday, April 11, 2022
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 spent the bulk of his career working and solving...
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LUF Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Chief Jack Pritchard (Ret) and Captain Tommy Gardner–Part IThursday, March 24, 2022
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 FDNY. Chief Prichard started his career in 1970 in Squad...
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Reflections on a Family Legacy with Deputy Chief Jim Ginty, FDNY (Ret)Thursday, March 10, 2022
Deputy Chief James Ginty is a 37 year veteran of the FDNY. Assigned as a probationary firefighter to Engine Co. 43/Ladder Co. 59 in 1984 to the war ravaged Bronx. Upon promotion to Lieutenant, an assignment to Ladder Co. 28 in Harlem. As a Captain, he served in Ladder Co....
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Rescue Company Command with Capt Brian McNulty, Rescue Co. 2, Milwaukee FDThursday, February 24, 2022
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 Milwaukee Fire Department in 1999. In addition to...
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Cultivating Personal and Team Resilience with Jennifer BakerThursday, February 10, 2022
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 how the LUF team approaches advancing leadership and optimizing human...
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A Reflection on Individual Risk and Resiliency with FDNY Firefighter Brendan CawleyThursday, January 27, 2022
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 apartment building on E. 178th St. Thirty-four months later, he...
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A Historic Human Performance Episode of the Equitable Building FireThursday, January 13, 2022
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 minutes, almost the entire building was engulfed in fire....
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2021 Year In Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamaraThursday, December 30, 2021
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 learn more about each of them. Since this is our...
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Smarter Not Harder with David Sears, US Navy SEAL (Ret)Thursday, December 16, 2021
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. Commander Sears has participated in a number of conflicts and...
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Breathing for Warriors with Dr. Belisa VranichThursday, December 02, 2021
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 has expanded her work with athletes and first responders and...
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Miracle in Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush with Shaun Cullen, FDNY and Air National GuardThursday, November 18, 2021
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 Finance and International Business. He played Division 1 water polo...
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Optimal Human Performance During the FDNY War Years with DC Joseph DiBernardo (Ret) & Capt Louie Andrade (Ret) Part IIThursday, November 04, 2021
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 conversation is hosted by LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara and...
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Fire in My Eyes with Paralympian LT Brad Snyder, US Navy EODThursday, October 21, 2021
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 stepped on an improvised explosive device in...
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Optimal Human Performance During the FDNY War Years with DC Joseph DiBernardo (Ret), Capt Louie Andrade (Ret)—Part IThursday, October 07, 2021
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 a Virtual Fireside Chat series where LUF Senior...
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What Science Informs Us About Resilience with Dr. George BonannoMonday, September 20, 2021
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 early 2019 at a Leadership Under Fire Optimizing...
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Remembering FDNY Captain Patrick J. “Paddy” BrownThursday, September 09, 2021
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, compliments of the insight of his family, closest friends...
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Resilience in Mission-Critical Teams with Dr. Preston Cline and Coleman RuizSunday, July 25, 2021
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 Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Summit, in Annapolis, Maryland....
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LUF Virtual Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Lieutenants Danny Murphy & Dennis Gordon (Ret)–Part IIThursday, July 15, 2021
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 conversation is hosted by LUF Senior Man Jim McNamara and...
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Freedom with Sebastian JungerWednesday, June 30, 2021
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 journey exploring the concept of Freedom—and the disparities that exist...
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LUF Virtual Fireside Chat Series featuring FDNY Lieutenants Danny Murphy & Dennis Gordon (Ret)–Part IThursday, June 17, 2021
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 leaders the opportunity to candidly reflect on leadership lessons...
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Optimal Performance at Wildfires, Off-road and in the Backcountry with BC Thomas Smith, CAL FIREThursday, June 03, 2021
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 was hired with CAL FIRE NEU as a...
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From Renegade to Reformer with Capt Gabe Angemi, Camden NJ FDWednesday, May 19, 2021
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 NJ-TF1 FEMA USAR since 2008. He completed undergraduate study...
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Exploring the Complexities of the FDNY War Years with Joe FloodWednesday, May 05, 2021
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 using the dramatic story of a...
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Leading as a Performance Pioneer in Professional Baseball with Rachel BalkovecWednesday, April 21, 2021
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 and has worked in professional baseball for seven years. Breaking...
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Battle-Tested: Service and Sacrifice with FDNY Lt Josh Wiener, USMC (Ret)Thursday, April 08, 2021
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 in the United States Marine Corps as an Infantry Unit...
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A Historic Human Performance Episode of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory FireThursday, March 25, 2021
On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory in New York City burned, tragically killing 146 workers. It is remembered as one of the most infamous incidents in American industrial history. The tragedy brought widespread attention to the dangerous sweatshop conditions of factories, spurred the creation of the FDNY’s...
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Better Great Than Never with Olympic Rower and Performance Coach Lindsay ShoopThursday, March 11, 2021
This episode features Lindsay Dare Shoop. Lindsay is a lifelong athlete turned coach, author, and speaker. She is an Olympic gold medalist, a three-time World Champion, and a National Rowing Hall of Fame inductee. With a focus on performance optimization and longevity throughout sport and life, Lindsay coaches and hosts...
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Tactical Leadership with a Midtown (Manhattan) Mentality with FDNY Lt Dan SaalfrankThursday, February 25, 2021
Dan Saalfrank is our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. Dan is a FDNY Lieutenant assigned to Ladder Co. 4 in Midtown Manhattan. He previously served with Ladder Companies 169 and 176, both in the borough of Brooklyn. Within the FDNY, Dan is...
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Living, Leading and Loving in a Messy World with Officer Jon MatthewsThursday, February 11, 2021
Jon Matthews was a police officer in Greensboro, North Carolina, for more than a decade, from 2008 to 2019, before leaving the policing profession to enter ministry with a local church. After a year and a half in ministry, he returned to police work during one of the most challenging...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Chief Pat Maloney, CFD (Ret)Thursday, January 28, 2021
Pat Maloney is a retired 39-year member of the Chicago Fire Department, who rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Special Operations. Pat entered the ranks of the Chicago Fire Department in 1981. Prior to his promotion to Battalion Chief, Pat served as the Captain of Squad 2...
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“With You” – Combat Leadership with Capt Nick Kalt, USMC (Ret)Thursday, January 14, 2021
Nick Kalt is our guest in this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast. Nick serves as a Captain with the Long Beach, California Fire Department. Prior to entering the professional fire service, Nick was a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. He was seriously wounded...
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2020 Year In Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamaraThursday, December 31, 2020
In this episode, host Patti Murphy is joined by Jason Brezler and Jim McNamara as we look back at a year that was like no other we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. Against the backdrop of a global Coronavirus pandemic, 2020 catapulted all of us into world-changing events. From the tragic...
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Gold Medal Mindset with Olympian Erin CafaroThursday, December 17, 2020
Erin Cafaro is one of the most decorated female rowers in American history. Cafaro was a star rower at Cal from 2001 to 2006, helping the Golden Bears win the NCAA Championship in both 2005 and 2006. She helped the United States win the gold medal in the Eight boat...
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From Vietnam to 9/11: Leading by Learning and Adapting with Commissioner Sal Cassano, FDNY (Ret)Thursday, December 03, 2020
Salvatore Cassano is the former Commissioner of the New York City Fire Department. He was appointed Commissioner by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in January 2010 and retired from the FDNY in 2014. Mr. Cassano became an FDNY member in 1969 and served in every uniformed rank, including the highest—Chief of Department....
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Finding Flow Under Pressure with Dr. Nathaniel ZinsserThursday, November 19, 2020
Dr. Nathaniel Zinsser has been a sport psychology teacher and trainer for three decades. He has served on the faculties of William Paterson College in New Jersey, East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania, the University of Virginia system, and since 1992, he has directed the nation’s leading mental skills training program...
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Delivering Critical Care Under Pressure in NYC and Around the World with Chris SummersThursday, November 05, 2020
Chris Summers is a Physician Assistant, Critical Care Specialist and Quality Assurance and Education Coordinator, who has practiced cardiothoracic surgery and critical care medicine in New York City for the past 14 years. He is a veteran of the US Coast Guard stationed in the North Atlantic and a former...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Capt Al Hagan, FDNY (Ret)–Part IIThursday, October 22, 2020
This episode is the second and final installment of a two-part interview featuring guest host Jim McNamara and retired FDNY Captain Alexander Hagan. Captain Al began his career in 1973 and served in some of the FDNY’s busiest companies. After 35 years of service in the field, he decided to...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Capt Al Hagan, FDNY (Ret)–Part IThursday, October 08, 2020
This episode is part one of two. Alexander (“Captain Al”) Hagan began his career during the War Years of the FDNY, in 1973, when he was assigned to 36 Engine in Harlem. After several years in Harlem, Al studied and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and was assigned...
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What the USS Indianapolis Tells Us About Resilience with Sara Vladic and Lynn VincentThursday, September 24, 2020
Lynn Vincent and Sara Vladic are the NY Times bestselling authors of the book Indianapolis: The True Story of the Worst Sea Disaster in US Naval History and the Fifty-Year Fight to Exonerate an Innocent Man. In early 2019, LUF recorded an interview with them, which you will hear in...
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Remembering FDNY Captain Timothy M. StackpoleFriday, September 11, 2020
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast, we’re honored to bring you the inspiring story of FDNY Captain Timothy Stackpole—told by his family, friends and fellow firefighters who were influenced by his leadership. On June 5‚ 1998‚ Timothy Stackpole was severely injured in a fifth...
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Leading with Character and Curiosity: From Combat to Moneyball with Sandy AldersonThursday, July 30, 2020
Mr. Sandy Alderson has served as an executive in Major League Baseball for four decades. His teams have won six division titles, three American League pennants, one National League pennant and a World Series Championship. He served as a General Manager, Chief Executive Officer and/or President with the Oakland Athletic,...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD–Part IIThursday, July 16, 2020
Welcome to the second part of Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD. This episode picks up with guest host James McNamara, who is a senior Firefighter at the FDNY and serves as a Human Performance Advisor for Leadership Under Fire. He’s also the principal author...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD–Part IThursday, July 02, 2020
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 author of the Leadership Under Fire Senior Man’s Performance Journal. Our guest in this episode,...
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A Competitor’s Mindset with Chicago Cubs Slugger Kyle SchwarberThursday, June 18, 2020
When faced with a career-halting injury, our guest in this episode, used the challenge as an opportunity to hone his skills in a way that ultimately helped the Chicago Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat and capture the World Series in 2016. Kyle Schwarber played baseball for Indiana...
Read MoreRisk, Restraint and Resilience in Lethal Environments with James Roussell, USMC (Ret) & Chicago PD (Ret)Thursday, June 04, 2020
The conversation you will hear in this episode was recorded in early 2019 at a Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Summit, which took place in Annapolis, Maryland. The event was devoted to the concept of resilience, the ability to navigate adversity and absorb failure and loss in high-risk settings....
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USMC Top Shooter’s Perspective on Optimal Performance with J. Carlson, USMC (Ret)Thursday, May 21, 2020
What is going on inside of the mind of one of the USMC’s top marksman? Joining us in the latest episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast is Julia Carlson. Among many other accomplishments, she was the first female to graduate the Small Arms Weapons Instructor School....
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Revisiting Tribe (with a Pandemic Epilogue) with Sebastian JungerThursday, May 21, 2020
In this episode, Leadership Under Fire welcomes back to the Optimizing Human Performance Podcast American journalist, author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger. Sebastian was featured on the show in March of 2019, but that conversation seems even more relevant as our entire society is navigating a deadly pandemic that has brought...
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Embracing Extreme Adversity with LCDR Justin Legg, USN SEAL (Ret)Thursday, April 23, 2020
In this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Performance Podcast, we’ll unpack Justin Legg’s unprecedented story of resilience. In 2006, Justin experienced a major medical setback, but as discussed, his mental fortitude has carried him through every challenge in life. Justin is a retired Navy SEAL Officer who...
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Deep Survival with Author Laurence GonzalesThursday, April 09, 2020
Laurence Gonzales is the author of three novels and five books of nonfiction. His bestselling book Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why has been published in six languages and was followed by Surviving Survival: The Art and Science of Resilience. His other works include Flight 232, Lucy and...
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Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Bob Athanas, FDNYThursday, March 26, 2020
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...
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Managing Risk and Morality as a Paramedic with Jacob DuttonThursday, March 12, 2020
Jake Dutton is a firefighter with the FDNY currently assigned to Ladder Company 102 in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. He was previously assigned to Engine Company 235 and has worked as a paramedic in the New York City Emergency Medical Services system since 2006. A native of Northern California,...
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Mental Skills Coaching with Ben OlivaThursday, February 27, 2020
Ben Oliva is a certified mental performance consultant and mental health counselor. He is a member of the SportStrata team, which utilizes the most recent innovations in sport and performance psychology to coach individuals and teams to reach their maximum potential. He specializes in training athletes and elite performers using...
Read MoreLeading in a Rapidly Changing World with LtCol Charlie Black, USMCThursday, February 13, 2020
Charlie Black is a retired Marine Corps Officer with diverse experiences that span over three decades of service on four continents with conventional and special operations forces. His mission-focused leadership consistently enabled success in the most demanding and uncertain environments by building resilient and adaptive teams. For close to a...
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Leading as a Fire Company Commander with FDNY Captain Michele FitzsimmonsThursday, January 30, 2020
Captain Michele Fitzsimmons is an 18-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). She currently is the Department’s highest-ranking, senior woman in fire operations as the Company Commander of Ladder 12 in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. From 2002 through 2004, she was the president of FireFLAG, the...
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Reflections of a Senior Marine General Officer with Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson, USMC (Ret)Thursday, January 16, 2020
In this episode, we’re honored to have U.S. Marine Lieutenant General Lawrence Nicholson as our guest. General Nicholson served as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force, leading 30,000 Marines and Sailors in the Asia-Pacific region, from 2015 to 2018. He retired in August of 2018 after 39 years...
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2019 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara–Part IIThursday, January 02, 2020
Welcome to the second part of our 2019 Year In Review. This episode picks up with podcast host Patti Murphy, Leadership Under Fire Founder and President Jason Brezler and FDNY Senior Firefighter James McNamara. In the previous episode, we discussed the LUF team’s accomplishments and focused efforts during 2019. Now,...
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2019 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara–Part IThursday, December 19, 2019
In this episode, host Patti Murphy is joined by Leadership Under Fire Founder and President Jason Brezler and FDNY Senior Firefighter James McNamara. Together they discuss the LUF Team’s 2019 accomplishments and focused efforts which included the rigorous examination of resilience–most specifically, exploring the question of “what happens when we...
Read MoreMeasuring Rigor: From the Ironman to the Fireground with Tim ClarkeThursday, December 05, 2019
Timothy Clarke is an FDNY Firefighter in Ladder Company 12 in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan and an International Association of Firefighters Peer Certified Fitness instructor (which is a personal trainer for firefighters). He spent three years racing professionally in the sport of triathlon and is a QT2 systems level...
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Developing Mission-Oriented Leaders with Eric NurnbergFriday, November 22, 2019
In this episode, listeners will hear from a guest who you may recognize from an episode we published in the spring of 2019 on Risk and Resilience. Please welcome back Deputy Chief Eric Nurnberg who currently serves as our team’s Leadership Director. Eric is a Deputy Chief with the Iowa...
Read MoreTactical Science and Lethal Threats with Charles “Sid” HealThursday, November 07, 2019
Charles “Sid” Heal retired as a Commander from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in 2008 after nearly 33 years of service, more than half of which was spent in units charged with handling law enforcement special and emergency operations. He was present for emergency operations at the Oklahoma City Bombing,...
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Mental Sweat with Mental Performance Coach Hannah HuesmanThursday, October 24, 2019
Hannah Huesman is a Mental Performance Coach with the Philadelphia Phillies. She earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior from The University of Tennessee, focusing on improving performance amongst athletes of all ages. Throughout her career she’s worked with business executives, actors, and members of...
Read MoreRemembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano–Part IIFriday, October 11, 2019
This is the second and final installment in a series dedicated to Remembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano. Captain Vigiano passed away on July 8, 2018, after a long battle with cancer—leaving behind an indelible impression on those who knew him best. Captain Vigiano was a resilient leader, dedicated to...
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Remembering FDNY Captain John T. Vigiano–Part IThursday, September 26, 2019
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 in the US Marine Corps. Prior to his enlistment in...
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2019 Summer Recap with Patti MurphyThursday, September 12, 2019
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 including: access to the 2019 Digital Summit package and...
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Capturing the Moment with NFL Defensive End Romeo OkwaraThursday, June 27, 2019
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, Romeo stands 6’4” and weighs 275 pounds. But as we’ll...
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High Performance in Tower Climbing with Troy RyanThursday, June 13, 2019
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 involving falls, severe burns from electrical shocks and fires, and...
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Enhancing Evidence-Based Practice Among Nurses with Stacy ShillingThursday, May 30, 2019
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 Stevenson University for her Master of Science in Nursing with...
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Leading Your Peers with FDNY Senior Firefighter James McNamaraThursday, May 16, 2019
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 members of a company will achieve both individually and as...
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Mission-Oriented Reform with Colonel Michael Wyly, USMC (Ret)Thursday, May 02, 2019
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 Vietnam—during which he was wounded in the head and received...
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Tactical Fitness with FDNY Firefighter James LopezThursday, April 18, 2019
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 has dedicated his life to answering this question. Lopez joined...
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Risk and Resilience With a Navy SEAL CommanderThursday, March 21, 2019
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 and more. This conversation was moderated by the LUF team’s...
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Tribe with Journalist, Author and Filmmaker Sebastian JungerThursday, March 07, 2019
“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...
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Ultra-Competitive Settings with Brendan and Danny FowlerThursday, February 21, 2019
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 the single-season leader all-time in face-offs won in the same...
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Leadership Under Fire with FDNY FF and USMC Major Jason BrezlerThursday, February 07, 2019
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 Jason’s personal experiences have influenced his views on how to...
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Breathing to Support Peak Performance with Dr. Belisa VranichThursday, January 24, 2019
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 about breathing and walk us through the simple, revolutionary program...
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Career Reflection with FDNY Lt. Mickey ConboyThursday, January 10, 2019
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. Conboy previously served in Engine Co. 79, Ladder Co. 37...
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Life As Sport with Dr. Jonathan FaderThursday, January 10, 2019
“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 Director of Mental Conditioning for the New York Football Giants...
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Love and War with Photojournalist Lynsey AddarioFriday, December 28, 2018
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 the New York Times, National Geographic and Time magazine. She’s...
Read MorePatti Murphy
Patti Murphy is host and producer of the Leadership Under Fire Humanizing the Narrative Podcast. A native of Staten Island, New York, Patti started her career covering news across the five boroughs for a 24-hour television news channel. From 2014 to 2021, she joined the Fire Department of New York’s Office of Public Information, managing their internal website, DiamondPlate, which played a critical role in disseminating timely training and information. She is a feature write for WNYF and works on special projects for the FDNY Foundation and New York City Fire Museum. Patti is the first FDNY civilian employee to attend the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security.
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