Retired Seattle Fire Department Captain and 2008 FDIC International keynote speaker Mike Gagliano brings decades of fireground leadership and life-earned wisdom to the show. As president of the Firefighter Air Coalition and co-author of Air Management for the Fire Service and Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage, he shares a powerful message for today’s firefighters: expect challenges, don’t quit, and remember—no one is stopping you from becoming the best firefighter you ever wanted to be. Lead with gratitude, stay disciplined, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.

Captain Tyrall Quinn, author of The Calling: The Unseen Work of Leading Well, joins the podcast to share a powerful story of service, departure, and return. After stepping away from the fire service following 20 years on the job, Quinn reflects on what it meant to be welcomed back by his department and how that experience reshaped his understanding of leadership. The conversation explores humility, confidence, accountability, and mental wellness—both on and off the fireground—while honoring the legacy of those who paved the way. As Quinn reminds us, “If I have seen further [than others], it is by standing on the shoulders of giants,” a truth that underscores the importance of remembering those who came before us as we lead, grow, and serve.

Fire Chief Randy Chevalier of Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District shares hard-earned lessons on leading through crisis and challenge. Having guided his department through three firefighter line-of-duty deaths, Chief Chevalier discusses the importance of building a solid support team inside and outside the organization, understanding that no leader can do everything alone. He emphasizes navigating crisis with a focus on mental health, and the necessity for leaders to give themselves grace while extending grace to others.

Lieutenant Ash Shapiro of Hartford Fire Department talks getting the job done, especially if no one else is. Take the job seriously but don't take yourself too seriously. A good leader keeps their eyes open and watches people. They must get to know the people they lead and have a little fun. There will always be a few bad apples, but leaders must learn their strengths and weaknesses too. It's ok to knock someone down, as long as you build them back up!

Deputy Chief Ryan Power of the Spokane County Fire in Washington talks about the lost art in the fire service, "The Human Factors of Communication." Chief dives into the 4 C's of Communication: 1) Connection, 2) Choice, 3) Competency, 4) Consistency. Chief also dives into the different styles of communicators: 1) Social, 2) Direct, 3) Empathetic, 4) Logical. Effective communication is a cornerstone to effective leadership and the best leaders can transition between the different styles seamlessly. Chief Power emphasizes that communication and emotional intelligence are tactical skills and they should be practiced like anything else, and that you can't lead people effectively if you don't understand people.

Fire Chief Sionna Stallings-Ala'ilima of the Tacoma Fire Department talks Family & Servant Leadership! Be purposeful on how you show up every day in whatever role you are in, because pessimism and optimism are both contagious! Every leaders holds a certain amount of power. The most influential of leaders have the power of respect and are experts at their job. Remember that people will follow you if they respect you and if you are really good at your job.

Deputy Chief/Senior Tour Commander Leigh Shapiro (ret.) of the Hartford (CT) Fire Department and author of the book An Insiders Guide to Mentoring the Fire Officer talks Mentorship & Coaching and Succession Planning. Chief discusses the difference between being "prepared" vs being "ready" to step up into the "next" role. Chief also talks the importance of organizational skills, administrative skills, emotional maturity and communication skills in strong fire officers and leaders. Regarding training, education and experience: Money spent on your education, books and certifications is money well spent. Embrace, own and learn experiences, because their is no substitute for experience.

Fire Chief Adrien Sheppard of the Redmond Fire Department dives deep into Succession Planning & Strategy. He stresses the importance of talent acquisition, cultural fluency and providing for fail safe environments for growth and development of your people to take place. Succession planning is not about an individual or a person, it's about the organization. Don't be afraid to think differently, and show vulnerability. Remember, "Don't take things personal!"

Retired Battalion Chief Jerry Wells of the Lewisville, Texas Fire Department discusses how the Fire Service is the Ultimate Team Sport! He stresses the importance of "Being Here Now," whether you are busy training, working out, or playing video games , make sure your mind, body and soul are all in! Every shift, every firefighter should be doing something for your 1) Mind, 2) Body, and your 3) Rigs. Everything in the fire service and in life, "starts with me."

Fire Chief Jake Rhoades of the City of Buckeye Fire-Medical-Rescue Department in Arizona unpacks leading people through change. Leaders must always be leaning in: Be students of the profession, learn the job above you and teach the job below you. Build your networks early. Be intentional with the relationships you build and the time you invest with those relationships.