Leadership Under Fire

12/19/2025

NEW EPISODE: “2025 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara“

In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder, Jason Brezler, and LUF’s Senior Man, James McNamara. We reflect on the impact and reach of the Leadership Under Fire TEAM’s efforts in 2025. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s fire service and other high-risk industries through programs, research, and publications.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

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In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara. We reflect on the impact and reach of the Leadership Under Fire TEAM’s efforts in 2025. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s ...

12/04/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Movement is Medicine with Dr. Dillon Caswell PT, DPT, SCS“

Dr. Dillon Caswell is a Board Certified Sports Specialist Doctor of Physical Therapy, Human Performance Coach, and Top-Selling Author, who utilizes hope and modern neuroscience to replace the ‘nopes’ we face and empower desiring lifelong athletes to reclaim their birthright of healthy and athletic. With the strategy of Hope, Dr. Dillon Caswell has guided a range of beginners up to world-class athletes including former NFL players, Top-level CrossFitters, D1-D3 College Athletes, Military Special-Ops, World-Touring Performing Artists, World-Ranked Track Athletes, World Ranked Strongmen and Powerlifters, and everyday people – regardless of age or experience.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Dr. Dillon Caswell is a Board Certified Sports Specialist Doctor of Physical Therapy, Human Performance Coach, and Top-Selling Author, who utilizes hope and modern neuroscience to replace the ‘nopes’ we face and empower desiring lifelong athletes to reclaim their birthright of healthy and athlet...

11/20/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Consistency, Experience and Leadership with Capt. William Jasper BCFD“

Captain Will Jasper served in the Baltimore City Fire Department for 28 years, spending his career in some of the city’s busiest and most storied companies. He entered the Fire Academy on February 22, 1994, and upon graduation was assigned to Truck 14 in Northeast Baltimore. He soon transferred and spent the next seven years in some of Baltimore’s heaviest fire service companies, including Engine 52, Engine 8, and Engine 33. During this time, he was mentored by some of the BCFD’s most legendary and seasoned firefighters and officers. Throughout his career, Captain Jasper served with distinction, earning numerous commendations and awards.

Promoted to Lieutenant in 2004, he was assigned to Engine 55 in Pigtown before transferring back to Engine 52. In 2009, he was promoted to Captain and took command of Engine 20 in Walbrook Junction, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. Captain Jasper was known as a mission-oriented leader with a deep well of operational experience. On the most challenging fires, he was the steadying presence that chief officers relied upon—offering calm, sound advice that helped bring order to chaotic scenes.
Born on February 2, 1968, and raised in Northeast Baltimore’s Woodbourne neighborhood, Will attended Northern High School before entering the United States Army. He served honorably with the 82nd Airborne and the 2nd Infantry Division.

Captain Jasper was a respected leader within the BCFD—admired by subordinates, peers, and supervisors for his composure under pressure and his unwavering dedication to the job. He mentored countless firefighters over nearly three decades, and the wisdom he shared continues to influence and strengthen the department today.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

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Captain Will Jasper served in the Baltimore City Fire Department for 28 years, spending his career in some of the city’s busiest and most storied companies. He entered the Fire Academy on February 22, 1994, and upon graduation was assigned to Truck 14 in Northeast Baltimore. He soon transferred an...

11/12/2025

Registration for the 2026 Human Performance-Centered Fireground Command and Control Course is open. This resident course provides leaders in-depth exposure to human performance-centered philosophies, practices, and strategies which have proven most effective at fires and emergencies of consequence.
•••
The retreat course will be held Monday evening of February 16th through early afternoon Thursday February 19th in a communal setting in scenic Western Maryland. The curriculum for the LUF Command and Control Course is most appropriate for current fireground commanders and those preparing to serve as chief officers in the near future.
•••
The cadre for the 2026 course will include:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ DC Jeff Facinelli, FDNY
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City
■ BC Brian McNulty, Milwaukee
■ BC Dan Saalfrank, FDNY
■ CWO5 Jim Roussell, Chicago PD (Ret) & USMC (Ret.)
•••
https://web.cvent.com/event/7f27809b-afbb-48e5-822b-f2faa775c1f9/summary

11/07/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Principled Leadership with LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR“

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry while continuing to serve in the Marine Reserves. He and his wife are raising five children, and he also serves as an elder in his church.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

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We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry wh...

10/29/2025

The Leadership Under Fire Team is excited to announce that registration for the 2026 Human Performance-Centered Fireground Command and Control Course has opened. This resident course provides leaders in-depth exposure to human performance-centered philosophies, practices, and strategies which have proven most effective at fires and emergencies of consequence.
•••
The retreat course will be held Monday evening of February 16th through early afternoon Thursday February 19th in a communal setting in scenic Western Maryland. The curriculum for the LUF Command and Control Course is most appropriate for current fireground commanders and those preparing to serve as chief officers in the near future.
•••
The cadre for the 2026 course will include:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ DC Eric Nurnberg, Iowa City (Ret.)
■ DC Jeff Facinelli, FDNY
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City
■ BC Brian McNulty, Milwaukee
■ BC Dan Saalfrank, FDNY
■ CWO5 Jim Rousell, Chicago PD (Ret.) & USMC (Ret.)
•••
https://web.cvent.com/event/7f27809b-afbb-48e5-822b-f2faa775c1f9/summary

10/24/2025

NEW EPISODE: “The Humble Professional with FF Mike Conicelli FDNY“

Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long been part of the NYC bar scene and is an active practitioner of jiu-jitsu.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Our guest today is Firefighter Mike Conicelli from Engine 301 in Hollis, Queens. Mike is a 21-year veteran of the FDNY whose contributions extend beyond the firehouse—from training new engine chauffeurs to his involvement in the MPI program and more. In addition to his fire service, Mike has long ...

10/09/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Leadership, Longevity and a Love for the Job with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch BCFD (Ret.)“

Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Today’s episode was recorded during a fireside chat at the week-long LUF Summit with the Baltimore City Fire Department. Captain Andrew Whitehead sits down with Assistant Chief Donald Heinbuch to discuss his remarkable and wide-ranging career in the fire service.

09/25/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Build Talent as Soon as You Can with Captain Tim Buchenroth Lexington, KY FD“

Today’s guest is Captain Tim Buchenroth, a 13-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department in Lexington, Kentucky. Tim has been an active member of the LUF network since attending the team’s Columbus, Ohio, event in 2017. He is also a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University and currently resides in Kentucky with his family.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

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09/16/2025

NEW EPISODE: “That’s The Way Out with Deputy Chief Jay Jonas FDNY (Ret)“

Members of the LUF team recently had the honor on interviewing Deputy Chief Jay Jonas.

He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his craft at the “Cross Bronx Express.” Seeking broader knowledge and experience, he transferred to Rescue Company 3, responding to some of the Bronx’s most challenging fires and emergencies.

Deputy Chief Jonas was later promoted to Lieutenant, serving with Ladder 11 on the Lower East Side. He then rose to the rank of Captain and was assigned to Ladder 6, where he served as company commander on September 11, 2001. Just one week after 9/11, he was promoted to Battalion Chief and assigned to the 2nd Battalion.

In 2007, he achieved the rank of Deputy Chief in the 7th Division, where he continued his distinguished service until his retirement on July 9, 2022, marking the close of a remarkable 42-year career with the FDNY.

Listen now on our website, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM, Samsung Podcast, or Podchaser. If you like our show, please leave a comment and rate us, subscribe and share it.

Click here to listen now:

Today we have the great honor of welcoming Deputy Chief Jay Jonas. He was appointed to the New York City Fire Department on November 24, 1979. After graduating from probie school, he was first assigned to Engine Company 46 in the Bronx. He then crossed the floor to Ladder 27, where he honed his craf...

09/13/2025

Tickets are $50, and payments to the raffle should be made via Venmo to -1, which can also be accessed from the QR code provided in the photo. Provide a full name and phone number when purchasing. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 22nd. You do not have to be present to receive the prize. Thank you for your continued support! https://venmo.com/u/FightforFirefighters-1

09/11/2025

Twenty four years ago this evening, thousands of ordinary Americans had no idea that they were only hours away from facing the unimaginable. We will never forget their extraordinary courage and the sacrifice that so many made. Credit: AMNY.