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.

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.  

Angela Naeth is a Canadian Professional Triathlete who made a significant mark on the sport with her exceptional performances in both Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events in her 20 year long career. In 2015, she became the North American Ironman Champion, cementing her place among the elite triathletes of her generation. Known for her strength in cycling and running, Angela has consistently delivered top performances at major events, including multiple podium finishes at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. In 2021 she finished 6th place OVERALL at Gravel Unbound, the worlds premier gravel cycling race and completed the grueling Leadville 100 in a blistering 8 hours and 22 minutes.  Overcoming injuries throughout her career, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Angela actively shares her insights and experiences to inspire others and raise awareness for mental health as a coach and mental performance expert. 

Today’s guest is FDNY Firefighter Kevin O’Connor of Ladder 33 in the Bronx.  Kevin is a 17 year member of the department and has represented the FDNY on countless occasions as a member of the Pipes and Drums band.  He is a regular contributor to the FDNY’s MPI program and a Tactical Performance Coach helping members hone their skills on the fire floor. 

Today's episode is part 2 of a 2 part conversation with Jason Brezler and James McNamara  where we continue to reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. 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.

In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara.  In this conversation, we reflect on the range, depth, and reach of Leadership Under Fire’s TEAM efforts in 2024. 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.

This episode features a powerful story of courage, compassion, and legacy. We’re honored to have Kristina Moon, wife of fallen FDNY firefighter William (better known as “Billy”) Moon II, whose heroic act of organ donation after a tragic accident in December of 2022 has saved multiple lives and left an enduring legacy of service. For more information, please visit billymoonfoundation.org. 

In this episode, we present part two of a two-part conversation between Jason Brezler and Captain Gabe Angemi of the Camden Fire Department, which originally aired on October 31st. In part one, Gabe shared his experiences during the recovery efforts in Asheville, NC, following Hurricane Helene. Part two shifts focus to the critical role of academia and higher education in shaping and informing leadership within the fire service.

Sociocultural Human Performance: Education and Learning for Promotion in the American Fire Service

by Gabriel Angemi

Today’s guest is Trevor Renadette.  Trevor is a native of Plattsburgh, NY where he was born and raised before going to college at Plattsburgh State in 1998.  After one year at university Trevor decided to take a break from school in order to join the NY Army Nation Guard.  In 1999 he attended Infantry basic training in Fort Benning, GA. before advanced infantry training where he achieved a dual MOS as an 11 Bravo Infantrymen and an 11 Charlie Mortarman.  After graduating AIT, Trevor returned to college where he received a degree in Communications.  In 2004 Trevor was called into active duty service and was attached to the 1st Infantry Division with whom he deployed to Iraq.  Upon returning home he was honorably Discharged and entered the NYC Fire Academy.  Trevor was Assigned to Engine 38 and Tower Ladder 51 in the Williamsbrige section of The Bronx before being promoted to Lieutenant in 2016.  As a Lieutenant Trevor was assigned to Engine 3 Ladder 12 in Manhattan and just a few weeks ago he was promoted to the rank of Captain and is currently assigned to Division 14 in Queens.