Leadership Under Fire

02/19/2026

NEW EPISODE: “Revisiting A Historic Human Performance Episode of the Equitable Building Fire with Lt Matt Connor, FDNY“

In this episode, we revisit a conversation between Patti Murphy and FDNY Lt Matt Connor covering the Equitable Building fire on January 9th, 1912. This event tested the courage and skill of the FDNY in some of the most extreme conditions.

The 10-story building at 120 Broadway in Lower Manhattan was considered “fireproof.” In reality, it was cast iron, full of combustible materials, and lacked automatic fire protection. A discarded match in the basement sparked a fire that quickly spread through open elevator shafts and stairways. FDNY members battled frigid temperatures, high winds, and ice. Six people lost their lives, including Battalion Chief William J. Walsh, who was killed when part of the building collapsed.

Despite the danger, firefighters performed several dramatic rescues. The fire led to significant reforms in firefighting, from zoning resolutions and high-pressure hydrants to operational changes. Most notably, it inspired the creation of Rescue Company 1 in March 1915, which quickly fielded Draeger smoke helmets—providing the first rescue company in the United States with a breathing apparatus.

The Equitable Building was rebuilt with a steel frame, completed in 1915, and became the largest office building in the world by floor area for a time. Over the past century, it has housed countless commercial tenants, standing as a testament to American resilience and ingenuity.

In just a few weeks, FDNY members will return to the Equitable Building for an exercise testing next-generation Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus. Ascending from the lobby to the upper floors in full gear and on air, they’ll connect the storied past of the FDNY with the fire service’s readiness for the future. This episode originally aired January 13th, 2022.

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, we revisit a conversation between Patti Murphy and FDNY Lt Matt Connor covering the Equitable Building fire on January 9th, 1912. This event tested the courage and skill of the FDNY in some of the most extreme conditions. The 10-story building at 120 Broadway in Lower Manhattan was....

02/18/2026

Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/10f6b511-1c0d-4b95-ad90-b01b1ae72bcc/summary?fbclid=IwY2xjawQCvDpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe49ja4kJsRpQ3OcEvMzprQXiDBHMPB_6zKbIxI-ZWXkFY7PgziWXGiUDOVZM_aem_9qcpWZs8_NedSCHDGmIi0A

02/16/2026

Registration is now open for the LUF Leadership Development On-Line Course, which includes 8 modules of dynamic instruction, discussion, and collaboration oriented on tactical leadership. The course group will meet via a web platform on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (1900-2115) during the semester. The sessions will be recorded and all registrants will have access to the sessions.
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Course themes include: The Moral Imperative of Leadership; Mission-Oriented Leadership; Development and Implementation of a Command Philosophy; and Optimizing Mental Performance.
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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.
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Registration is LIMITED to 20 leaders.
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02/06/2026

NEW EPISODE: “Reading and Responding to Black Swans with CWO5 Jim Roussell, USMC (Ret)/Chicago PD (Ret) – Part 2“

Since its formal inception more than a decade ago, the LUF Team has championed professional reading as a cornerstone of leader development. LUF believes that a close study of history’s most accomplished, mission-oriented leaders reveals a common thread: a deep engagement with literature and disciplined professional reading.

In 2022, LUF launched its inaugural book club. Since then, LUF’s online book clubs have served as a conduit for meaningful discourse, reflection, and critical thought across the profession.
This episode is Part 2 of Senior Mentor CWO5 Jim Roussell’s, USMC (Ret)/Chicago PD (Ret) exploration of Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s The Black Swan, recorded during one of these book club discussions. Part 1 originally aired on August 21, 2024. In this continuation, Jim offers valuable insight into the leadership traits and organizational practices that enable mission-oriented leaders and units to adapt, endure, and succeed amid unpredictable and improbable events.

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:

Since its formal inception more than a decade ago, the LUF Team has championed professional reading as a cornerstone of leader development. LUF believes that a close study of history’s most accomplished, mission-oriented leaders reveals a common thread: a deep engagement with literature and discip...

01/26/2026

NEW EPISODE: “Continuing a Legacy of Service and Humanity with Lt. Christopher Horgan, FDNY“

Lt. Chris Horgan is a member of the FDNY, currently assigned to Ladder 20 in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. He is a 20-year veteran of the department and previously served with Engine 84 and Ladder 34 in Washington Heights. In addition to his operational duties, Lt. Horgan has recently assumed a leadership role in the FDNY’s Mental Performance Initiative. He is a graduate of Villanova University and is an avid baseball player and lifelong fan of the game. Lt. Horgan resides in Rockland County with his wife.

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:

Lt Chris Horgan is a member of the FDNY, currently assigned to Ladder 20 in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. He is a 20-year veteran of the department and previously served with Engine 84 and Ladder 34 in Washington Heights. In addition to his operational duties, Lt. Horgan has recently assumed a...

01/12/2026

Two open seats remain for our LUF Human Performance-Centered Fireground Command and Control Course Retreat (February 16, 2026 - February 19, 2026).
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The immersive course is held on the Farm where course participants will learn, reflect, break bread, and sleep in a communal setting in scenic and historic Frederick County, located in Western Maryland. The location is one hour from Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Ground transportation between the airport and retreat will be provided.
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For more information:
contact@leadershipundefire.com • leadershipunderfire.com
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Register here:
https://web.cvent.com/event/7f27809b-afbb-48e5-822b-f2faa775c1f9/summary

01/08/2026

NEW EPISODE: “Commanding with Competitive Conviction with BC Mike Rudasill, BCFD“

Mike Rudasill serves as a Battalion Chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), assigned to the 3rd Battalion in West Baltimore. He joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1998 and has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles throughout his career, including Firefighter with Rescue Company 1, Lieutenant with Truck Company 2, and Captain with Engine Company 8. He was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2010.

Chief Rudasill is a former U.S. Marine and holds a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science and Organizational Leadership from Waldorf University, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore’s School of Public Policy.

In addition to his operational responsibilities, Chief Rudasill serves as the Program Manager for the BCFD Mental Performance Initiative and oversees the development program for Baltimore City’s first-line and chief-level foreground commanders.

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:

Mike Rudasill serves as a Battalion Chief with the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD), assigned to the 3rd Battalion in West Baltimore. He joined the ranks of the BCFD in 1998 and has served in a variety of operational and leadership roles throughout his career, including Firefighter with Rescue....

12/19/2025

NEW EPISODE: “2025 Year in Review with Jason Brezler and James McNamara“

In this episode we are joined by LUF Founder, Jason Brezler, and LUF’s Senior Man, James McNamara. We reflect on the impact and reach of the Leadership Under Fire TEAM’s efforts in 2025. 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.

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 we are joined by LUF Founder Jason Brezler and LUF’s Senior Man James McNamara. We reflect on the impact and reach of the Leadership Under Fire TEAM’s efforts in 2025. The LUF team has maintained its commitment to humanizing and optimizing performance and leadership in today’s ...

12/04/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Movement is Medicine with Dr. Dillon Caswell PT, DPT, SCS“

Dr. Dillon Caswell is a Board Certified Sports Specialist Doctor of Physical Therapy, Human Performance Coach, and Top-Selling Author, who utilizes hope and modern neuroscience to replace the ‘nopes’ we face and empower desiring lifelong athletes to reclaim their birthright of healthy and athletic. With the strategy of Hope, Dr. Dillon Caswell has guided a range of beginners up to world-class athletes including former NFL players, Top-level CrossFitters, D1-D3 College Athletes, Military Special-Ops, World-Touring Performing Artists, World-Ranked Track Athletes, World Ranked Strongmen and Powerlifters, and everyday people – regardless of age or experience.

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:

Dr. Dillon Caswell is a Board Certified Sports Specialist Doctor of Physical Therapy, Human Performance Coach, and Top-Selling Author, who utilizes hope and modern neuroscience to replace the ‘nopes’ we face and empower desiring lifelong athletes to reclaim their birthright of healthy and athlet...

11/20/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Consistency, Experience and Leadership with Capt. William Jasper BCFD“

Captain Will Jasper served in the Baltimore City Fire Department for 28 years, spending his career in some of the city’s busiest and most storied companies. He entered the Fire Academy on February 22, 1994, and upon graduation was assigned to Truck 14 in Northeast Baltimore. He soon transferred and spent the next seven years in some of Baltimore’s heaviest fire service companies, including Engine 52, Engine 8, and Engine 33. During this time, he was mentored by some of the BCFD’s most legendary and seasoned firefighters and officers. Throughout his career, Captain Jasper served with distinction, earning numerous commendations and awards.

Promoted to Lieutenant in 2004, he was assigned to Engine 55 in Pigtown before transferring back to Engine 52. In 2009, he was promoted to Captain and took command of Engine 20 in Walbrook Junction, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. Captain Jasper was known as a mission-oriented leader with a deep well of operational experience. On the most challenging fires, he was the steadying presence that chief officers relied upon—offering calm, sound advice that helped bring order to chaotic scenes.
Born on February 2, 1968, and raised in Northeast Baltimore’s Woodbourne neighborhood, Will attended Northern High School before entering the United States Army. He served honorably with the 82nd Airborne and the 2nd Infantry Division.

Captain Jasper was a respected leader within the BCFD—admired by subordinates, peers, and supervisors for his composure under pressure and his unwavering dedication to the job. He mentored countless firefighters over nearly three decades, and the wisdom he shared continues to influence and strengthen the department today.

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:

Captain Will Jasper served in the Baltimore City Fire Department for 28 years, spending his career in some of the city’s busiest and most storied companies. He entered the Fire Academy on February 22, 1994, and upon graduation was assigned to Truck 14 in Northeast Baltimore. He soon transferred an...

11/12/2025

Registration for the 2026 Human Performance-Centered Fireground Command and Control Course is open. This resident course provides leaders in-depth exposure to human performance-centered philosophies, practices, and strategies which have proven most effective at fires and emergencies of consequence.
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The retreat course will be held Monday evening of February 16th through early afternoon Thursday February 19th in a communal setting in scenic Western Maryland. The curriculum for the LUF Command and Control Course is most appropriate for current fireground commanders and those preparing to serve as chief officers in the near future.
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The cadre for the 2026 course will include:
■ Jason Brezler, LUF Founder
■ DC Jeff Facinelli, FDNY
■ BC Mike Rudasill, Baltimore City
■ BC Brian McNulty, Milwaukee
■ BC Dan Saalfrank, FDNY
■ CWO5 Jim Roussell, Chicago PD (Ret) & USMC (Ret.)
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https://web.cvent.com/event/7f27809b-afbb-48e5-822b-f2faa775c1f9/summary

11/07/2025

NEW EPISODE: “Principled Leadership with LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR“

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry while continuing to serve in the Marine Reserves. He and his wife are raising five children, and he also serves as an elder in his church.

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:

We’re joined today by LtCol Gareth “Kip” Hughes, USMCR. Kip is a Naval Aviator by trade and has also served in several key billets with ground combat units. After transitioning to the private sector ten years ago, he built a successful career in the hardware and software technology industry wh...