In this episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry have a raw, honest conversation about one of the most overlooked struggles in the fire service: the tension between serving at work and showing up at home.

We dive deep into what it means to live between two families—the crew that depends on you at the station and the loved ones waiting for you on the front porch. From missed dinners to emotional disconnect, we talk about the slow erosion that can happen when the job takes too much and gives too little back to those who matter most.

This episode pulls no punches as we unpack the myths, the guilt, and the pressure that come with trying to lead on two fronts. We also explore practical ways to create boundaries, stay present, and lead with purpose—not just in the firehouse, but at home.

Whether you're a firefighter, a spouse, or a leader trying to do both well, this episode will challenge and encourage you to protect what truly matters—before the uniform comes off for good.

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into the growing disconnect between what leaders say and what they actually do—especially in the fire service.

From hollow uses of “brotherhood” and “integrity” to the dangerous comfort of performance-based leadership, they call out the culture of buzzwords, empty policies, and promotional speeches that lack authenticity.

They also tackle the harder truths: why we resist self-reflection, how conditional support erodes morale, and why real leadership starts with integrity, not titles.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do my actions align with my values?”—this episode is for you.

It's time to stop talking and start doing. Say less. Show up more.

Forged in fire. Led with purpose.

In this candid and compelling episode of the Heat of Command podcast, Kyle and Kerry tackle a growing crisis in the fire service: the lack of effective succession and continuity planning. With departments across the country getting younger and leadership pipelines growing thinner, they reflect on the challenges of preparing the next generation of leaders—before it’s too late.

From rapid promotions to understaffed specialty positions, they explore the hard truths about what happens when roles are filled by default instead of merit. Through personal experiences, organizational insights, and a few well-earned rants, they offer practical strategies for building leaders faster, smarter, and more intentionally—while empowering current officers to take ownership of their crew's development.

If you're navigating turnover, overwhelmed by training gaps, or just wondering how to keep your department from falling behind, this episode is a must-listen. It’s real talk for real leaders.

In this raw and relatable episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry return from a short break to tackle a tough but vital topic: how to lead authentically when you’re physically, emotionally, or mentally drained. Whether you're burned out, overwhelmed, or simply "not feeling it," they unpack what it means to show up as a leader without faking it—and why sometimes good leadership looks different during hard seasons.

They explore the impact of organizational culture, how to prevent burnout, and why leading at home is just as important—if not more—than leading at work. This episode dives deep into leadership during personal lows, creating support systems, and embracing vulnerability without compromising professionalism. It’s for anyone navigating the tension between personal wellness and professional expectations in high-demand environments.

Key Themes:

• Authentic leadership during personal struggles
• Organizational culture and burnout prevention
• Empowering your team to lead when you can’t
• Why your why matters most when motivation fades
• Leadership outside the firehouse

In this episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into the challenges of leadership when things don’t go as planned. They explore the concept of leading through resistance, whether it's facing pushback in conversations, dealing with professional setbacks, or navigating obstacles within fire service leadership. The discussion covers strategies for handling defensiveness, understanding different perspectives, and maintaining emotional control in tough situations. They also highlight the importance of knowing your why, adapting to setbacks, and modeling resilience for those you lead.

To wrap up, Kyle and Kerry challenge listeners to reflect on moments of disappointment and think about how they can handle setbacks with grace while staying mission-focused. Tune in for a powerful conversation on how real leaders are forged through adversity!

This episode tackles the pervasive issue of echo chambers in the fire service and beyond. They explore the dangers of a culture where disagreement is stifled, and leaders surround themselves with people who only echo their opinions.

Kyle and Kerry discuss the importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to challenge ideas, contribute different perspectives, and engage in constructive debate. They emphasize how trust, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness play key roles in breaking the cycle of passive agreement and encourage leaders to embrace open dialogue—even when it’s uncomfortable.

The episode also offers practical strategies for shifting organizational culture, including how leaders can empower team members, encourage healthy disagreement, and implement structured decision-making processes that promote innovation. They highlight real-world examples, including their own experiences with leadership development programs, and provide actionable takeaways for leaders looking to build stronger, more resilient teams.

In this episode of The Heat of Command Podcast, hosts Kyle and Kerry dive into the often-overlooked challenges of leadership in the fire service, focusing on the emotional and mental "weight" leaders carry. They explore the burdens of tough decision-making, the pressure of setting an example, and the sacrifices required in leadership roles—burdens that are intensified by the unique demands of firefighting and first response. From the pitfalls of avoiding hard conversations to the loneliness of being at the top, Kyle and Kerry unpack how leaders can feel isolated yet must remain authentic and resilient. They offer practical strategies to lighten the load, including building a strong support system, relinquishing control through delegation, and fostering future leaders. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode aims to equip fire service leaders with tools to navigate the heavy responsibilities they shoulder while staying true to themselves and their teams.

This podcast episode focuses on the crucial question of whether experiencing struggle is an essential component of effective leadership. Kyle and Kerry discuss how both personal and professional challenges can serve as transformative experiences, shaping leaders who are more resilient, empathetic, and insightful. They engage with the idea that overcoming adversity helps leaders gain new perspectives, making them better equipped to handle future challenges. The importance of organizations supporting their members through difficult times is highlighted as vital to fostering a culture of honest and progressive leadership, where lessons learned are openly shared, and growth is continuous.

In this episode of Heated Command, Kyle and Kerry are joined by a panel of Darley essay contest winners, including Lindsay Judah and Jamie Howarth, to discuss leadership transformation in the fire service. Kevin Sofen, the contest coordinator from Darley, also participates, offering his expertise. The conversation highlights how Darley sparks innovative thinking and authentic leadership among rising leaders. The guests share their personal experiences and views on key issues such as recruitment, retention, and inclusion, focusing on strategies that drive progress in the fire service. The episode emphasizes the critical role of writing and self-reflection in fostering growth and paving new paths in public safety leadership.

In this episode, the hosts explore the distinction between being liked and being respected as a leader, with a strong focus on the role of self-awareness. Kyle challenges the idea that leadership is about being liked, while Kerry points out that many leaders may be unaware of the need to adjust their approach. They emphasize that real, impactful change comes from taking action—not just seeking approval.