In this episode, three fire chiefs discuss the Succession Project—an initiative started by one battalion chief to create an environment where current and emerging leaders can prepare for future roles. They explore how the project brings leaders together several captains across the department to build relationships, share experiences, strengthen leadership skills, and learn from one another. The conversation highlights why succession planning is more than preparing people for promotion; it is about intentionally developing capable leaders who are ready to serve their organizations and communities when opportunities arise.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, Battalion Chief Anthony Kastros opens with a tribute to the lives lost and the families and communities forever affected, reminding us to “Never Forget.” He explores why all problems are ultimately human problems, how to overcome “recliner snipers,” and the power of having a mentor while mentoring others. He closes by sharing how faith guides his family, life, and leadership.

Fire Chief Dave Tait of the City of Bellevue Fire Department in Washington takes us inside the world of leadership, problem-solving, and succession planning. In this episode, Chief Tait unpacks what he calls the “monkey” in problem-solving—the issues we can unintentionally take on ourselves instead of empowering others to solve them. He also shares his “identify two people” method for succession planning, a practical approach to developing future leaders and building organizational depth.

Pete Brummel, retired Deputy Chief and 35-year veteran of the fire service, for a powerful conversation about authentic leadership and the personal work required to lead others well.

Pete shares lessons from a career spent serving, leading, and developing people, with a focus on the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and self-reflection. He explores what it means for leaders to truly know themselves—their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and blind spots—and how that awareness can shape the way they show up for their teams.

We also dig into the often-misunderstood role of vulnerability in leadership. Pete explains why vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness, but can actually create credibility, strengthen relationships, and build trust. Being willing to acknowledge mistakes, admit what you don’t know, listen to others, and continually learn can make a leader more relatable, more credible, and ultimately more effective.

Drawing on 35 years in the fire service, Pete offers perspective on leadership, humility, accountability, trust, and the importance of staying connected to the people you serve.

This is a conversation about more than leadership skills—it’s about the person behind the leader, the courage to look inward, and the impact authenticity can have on a team, an organization, and a career.

Dr. Brooke Lundquist is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has dedicated her career to supporting the people who answer the call. With more than 25 years as part of a fire service family, she brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to the unique challenges facing first responders and their loved ones. As the owner of First Responder Counseling and Consulting, Brooke and her team provide culturally competent therapy for firefighters, law enforcement, EMS personnel, and their families. She also serves as the on-site Mental Health Professional for Redmond Fire Department, Bellevue Fire Department, and Harborview Medical Center's Paramedic Training Program. Trained in EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, and certified as a First Responder Counselor, Brooke is leading the conversation on why mental health is no longer just a benefit—it's an operational necessity. Her message is clear: changing the culture of wellness in the fire service begins with leadership, trust, and making mental health a part of the job from day one.

Berlin Maza, a Captain with Eastside Fire & Rescue in Washington, shares leadership lessons shaped by the mentors, colleagues, and experiences that have influenced his career in the fire service. He points out that none of these ideas are his alone—they are the result of a lifelong commitment to learning from others.

Berlin explores the importance of remaining a student of leadership, drawing wisdom from fellow firefighters, formal education, books, podcasts, workshops, and everyday experiences. His message is simple: great leaders are never finished learning. By continuously seeking knowledge and adapting it to your own style, you can become the authentic leader you aspire to be.

Berlin is joined by three members of the fire service, offering practical insights and thoughtful perspectives on the real-world challenges today's leaders face.

David Brannan, Program Director at the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School, joins us for a conversation on staying in the fight—both professionally and personally. He discusses the importance of mentorship, succession planning, and developing the habit of challenging your own biases to become a better critical thinker. He explains why we should "train for the known and educate for the unknown," recognizing that leadership is full of challenges no amount of training alone can fix. It's a conversation about continuous learning, leadership, and why sometimes the best advice is also the simplest: "You gotta say yes," and "Kill your television and read books."

Fire Chief Ryan McGrady of West Pierce Fire & Rescue, one of the most powerful leadership traits isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to be vulnerable. Chief McGrady discusses how vulnerability accelerates growth, both for leaders and the teams they serve. By acknowledging mistakes, asking questions, and being open about challenges, leaders make change easier to navigate and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Vulnerability also equips leaders to handle difficult conversations with honesty and empathy, strengthening relationships and helping teams work through conflict more effectively.

A key lesson from Chief McGrady's leadership philosophy is that great leaders are also great followers. Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. Instead, it requires the willingness to listen, learn, and trust the expertise of others.

Deputy Fire Chief Jim Whitney of the Redmond Fire Department—a leader who stood on the front lines during one of the most defining moments in modern emergency response. As the Medical Services Administrator involved in the nation’s first confirmed COVID-19 case, Chief Whitney brings a perspective on leadership under pressure.

This conversation dives into what it truly means to lead through conflict. Chief Whitney explores the concept of “turning up the heat without burning down the organization,” breaking down the balance between urgency and stability. He introduces the idea of the 60-25-15 dynamic—where 25% is the critical space where real productivity, growth, and progress happen.

More importantly, this episode challenges the notion that leadership is tied to rank. Whether you’re in a formal position or not, leadership is about stepping forward where you stand—taking risks, embracing discomfort, and having the courage to fail. Growth doesn’t happen without friction, and sometimes the boldest ideas are the ones that feel the most uncomfortable to put on the table.

Fire Chief Trisha L. Wolford of the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Maryland leads one of the largest combination fire departments in the country, serving more than 600,000 residents—but her path to Fire Chief is anything but traditional. She began as a firefighter/paramedic and built a diverse career through the Fire Marshal’s Office, sworn law enforcement, fire and explosives investigations, and service as a Tactical Medic on a SWAT team. She is a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and the IAFC’s Fire Service Executive Development Institute (FSEDI), and currently serves as President and Board Chair of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Vice President of the IAFC’s Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association Executive Board, and an Executive Board member for the FirstNet Authority. Grounded in perspective and gratitude, her story is a reminder that leadership has no rank—and that an untraditional path, driven by grit and purpose, can take you wherever you’re willing to go.