Leadership Under Fire

06/26/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Poised Under Pressure in West Baltimore’s Streets of Fire with Lt Paul Novak Sr. BCFD“

The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses. During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith. Lt Novak joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1973 and retired in 2004. Lt Novak established himself as one of the department’s most experienced, capable, and impactful fire officers. Paul Sr. was a 2nd generation member of the BCFD, and his sons Paul Jr. and Casey are 3rd generation members. Lt Novak and members of Engine 13 were featured in the Discovery Channel’s 1998 documentary “Streets of Fire.”

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:

The fireside chat is a longstanding staple in LUF leadership development and human performance courses. During a recent weeklong LUF human performance course, Baltimore City Fire Department leaders enjoyed the opportunity to hear Lt Paul Novak Sr. reflect on his career with host Jerry Smith. Lt Nova...

06/12/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Revisiting 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 the ability to endure hardship and how to navigate our current cultural terrain. Junger’s work includes the books: Tribe and The Perfect Storm as well as the Academy Award-nominated film: Restrepo, which he co-directed with Tim Hetherington. Junger holds a degree in anthropology, has a propensity towards dangerous jobs and an admiration for the “working man.”

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:

“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 en...

06/04/2025

Find the full episode on our YouTube channel, available now! https://youtu.be/Rimskq-Os8M?si=aazkOXmsbZXj-xTV

05/30/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Reflections in Command – Coffee with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD“

In this conversation, LUF’s senior mentor, Jim Roussell, USMC (Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations. He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah. Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes. The conversation transpired over coffee in the farmhouse during the winter 2025 LUF Human-Centered Fireground Command and Control retreat on the Farm in Western Maryland.

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:

In this conversation, LUF’s senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations. He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah. Jim also shares lessons that he learned during vario...

05/16/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Building a Leadership and Tactical Performance File Cabinet with Shaun Ferguson CHFD“

Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire instructor cadre, teaching in both engine operations and hazardous materials disciplines.

As part of the recruit academy command staff, Shaun serves as a drill instructor, taking on a formative role in shaping new firefighters. He is also an integral member of the department’s Human Performance Team, where he has been instrumental in introducing and cultivating human performance training for recruit and probationary firefighters.

In addition to his work with the Cherry Hill FD, Shaun has contributed to the Leadership Under Fire Emerging Leaders Development course – this conversation is from a course session.
Shaun also served in the New Jersey Air National Guard as a Fire Protection Specialist from 2011 to 2021, deploying to various locations around the world.

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:

Shaun Ferguson is a member of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, where he has served since 2016. He is currently assigned to Special Operations Squad and Hazmat Company 13. Shaun plays a key role in the administration of the Cherry Hill FD Recruit Academy, where he is a member of the fire instructor c...

05/02/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Unpacking Capt Adolf von Schell’s “Battlefield Leadership” with LtCol Charlie Black USMC (Ret)“

In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged through experience, he’ll guide us through von Schell’s powerful reflections on decision-making, morale, and the human dimension of warfare.

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:

In this episode you’ll hear LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret) guide the LUF book club through Battlefield Leadership by Adolf non Schell. Battlefield Leadership is a classic exploration of leadership under fire, drawn from real experiences on the front lines of World War I. With insight forged throu...

04/17/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Revisiting Jim McNamara’s Senior Man Feature Episode with Jerry Smith Jr., BCFD“

The following episode originally aired in July of 2020 featuring Jerry Smith of the Baltimore City Fire Department. This episode was released in two parts, but today we are re-releasing the episodes in its entirety.

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, Jerry Smith Jr., is a Firefighter with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) currently assigned to Rescue Company 1. He was previously assigned to Truck Company 15 and entered the fire department in 2004. Jerry grew up in suburban Philadelphia, which is where his fire service career began as a volunteer. He is a member of the BCFD Dive Team and serves as the public safety scuba instructor. Jerry was also a member of the Central Maryland Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 2. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University of Maryland. Currently, Jerry is involved with the UL Firefighter Safety Research Institute in their three year study of Fire Service Residential Home Size-up and Search and Rescue Operations serving as a member of the technical panel. Jerry has been actively involved with Leadership Under Fire since its inception in 2012.

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:

The following episode originally aired in July of 2020 featuring Jerry Smith of the Baltimore City Fire Department. This episode was released in two parts, but today we are re-releasing the episodes in its entirety. Jim McNamara hosts this episode of the Leadership Under Fire Optimizing Human Perfor...

04/04/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Risk, Resiliency and Rural Fire Operations with Trevor Meador Frederick County DFRS“

Firefighter Trevor Meador is a member of the Frederick County, MD Fire and Rescue Department, currently assigned to Station 3 in downtown Frederick. Trevor is also an instructor in the Frederick County Training Academy, teaching a variety of topics, from Firefighter Safety and Survival, truck Ops and much more. Trevor also served in the USMC.

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:

Firefighter Trevor Meador is a member of the Frederick County, MD Fire and Rescue Department, currently assigned to Station 3 in downtown Frederick. Trevor is also an instructor in the Frederick County Training Academy, teaching a variety of topics, from Firefighter Safety and Survival, truck Ops an...

03/20/2025

A few seats remain for our LUF Leadership Development Online Course for Fire-Rescue Leaders, which includes 8 modules of dynamic instruction, discussion and collaboration oriented on tactical leadership.
•••
The course group will meet via a web platform on Wednesday evenings (1900-2115) during the semester (April 2-May 21, 2025). The sessions will be recorded and all registrants will have access to the sessions.
•••
Course curriculum is modeled after the popular resident LUF Leadership Development Course which is held on the Farm in Western Maryland. Course themes include: The Moral Imperative of Leadership; Mission-Oriented Leadership; Development and Implementation of a Command Philosophy; and Optimizing Mental Performance.
•••
There is a corresponding reading and listening (podcasts) component. This is utilized in an effort to further explore the topics and provide real world application as well as a deeper dive into some of the topics than the zoom session allows for.
•••
The LUF Advisory Team includes:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City FD
■ Capt Tim Moore, Cherry Hill NJ FD
■ Chief Tom Coe, Frederick County MD DFRS
■ Assistant Chief Brett DeLucca, Cherry Hill NJ FD
■ Coach Hannah Huesman
■ FF Kevin O'Connor, FDNY
■ LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret)
■ BC Daniel Saalfrank, FDNY
•••
The course promises to challenge and equip leaders to THINK more critically about mission-oriented leadership and optimal performance in a HUMAN-centric fashion.
•••
Registration is LIMITED to 20 leaders.

https://lnkd.in/dNCEeicM

03/20/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Luck Equals Preparation Plus Opportunity with Lt. Colonel Mark Westphal USAF“

Today’s guest is Lt. Col. Mark Westphal, a highly accomplished leader with an extensive and diverse background. Mark grew up in Westchester County, New York before heading to Georgia Tech, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He also earned an MBA from LaSalle University. In his civilian career, Mark serves as the Chief Engineer for Special Operations Forces platforms and is a certified Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with a major defense contractor. A combat veteran, Mark recently retired from the National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel after an extraordinary career. His service spans multiple roles, including Combat Engineer, Infantry, Special Forces Green Beret, and Air Force Special Warfare Officer.

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 guest is Lt. Col. Mark Westphal, a highly accomplished leader with an extensive and diverse background. Mark grew up in Westchester County, New York before heading to Georgia Tech, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He also ea...

03/11/2025

Only a few seats left for our LUF Leadership Development Online Course for Fire-Rescue Leaders, which includes 8 modules of dynamic instruction, discussion and collaboration oriented on tactical leadership.
•••
The course group will meet via a web platform on Wednesday evenings (1900-2115) during the semester (April 2-May 21, 2025). The sessions will be recorded and all registrants will have access to the sessions.
•••
Course curriculum is modeled after the popular resident LUF Leadership Development Course which is held on the Farm in Western Maryland. Course themes include: The Moral Imperative of Leadership; Mission-Oriented Leadership; Development and Implementation of a Command Philosophy; and Optimizing Mental Performance.
•••
There is a corresponding reading and listening (podcasts) component. This is utilized in an effort to further explore the topics and provide real world application as well as a deeper dive into some of the topics than the zoom session allows for.
•••
The LUF Advisory Team includes:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City FD
■ Capt Tim Moore, Cherry Hill NJ FD
■ Chief Tom Coe, Frederick County MD DFRS
■ Assistant Chief Brett DeLucca, Cherry Hill NJ FD
■ Coach Hannah Huesman
■ FF Kevin O'Connor, FDNY
■ LtCol Charlie Black, USMC (Ret)
■ BC Daniel Saalfrank, FDNY
•••
The course promises to challenge and equip leaders to THINK more critically about mission-oriented leadership and optimal performance in a HUMAN-centric fashion.
•••
Registration is LIMITED to 20 leaders.

https://lnkd.in/dNCEeicM

03/07/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Unpacking Robert Coram’s “Brute: The Life of Victor Krulak” with Jim Roussell USMC/Chicago PD“

The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to scholarship and professional reading. LUF book clubs have been a conduit to meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought. Jim Roussell has guided several LUF book clubs. Jim’s infectious commitment to professional reading was at the foundation of his preparation for the duration of his remarkable career in the USMC and Chicago PD. He relied heavily on his self-study to compliment his extensive operational experience and inform his leadership philosophy and complex problem-solving skillset. In this podcast episode, Jim unpacks the early chapters of Robert Coram’s “Brute” and provides valuable insight into the philosophy, traits, and approach that enabled LtGen Victor Krulak to transform the USMC’s warfighting capability set.

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:

The LUF team believes that a careful examination of history’s most accomplished mission-oriented leaders reveals that their success was strongly correlated to scholarship and professional reading. LUF book clubs have been a conduit to meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought. Jim Rou...