HC Leadership Podcast : Forged in Fire Led with Purpose

We talk about leadership nonstop—but most of us are missing the point. In this episode, Dr. Johnny Torgeson cuts through the noise and explains why leadership alone won’t fix burnout, apathy, or broken culture. The answer isn’t more leadership tactics—it’s building real teams. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply practical. From the “you suck phase” to creating identity and accountability,...

This episode explores the importance of self-awareness, authenticity, and feedback in leadership. Kerry and Kyle discuss how perceptions influence leadership effectiveness, the role of approachability, consistency, and vulnerability, and practical ways to gather honest feedback to improve relationships and influence. Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Self-Reflection 03:10 Understanding Others' Perc...

Summary Join Kerry and Kyle as they explore the profound topic of regret, life choices, and the importance of living authentically. This episode encourages deep reflection on what truly matters and how to live a life without regrets. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Regret and Life Choices 03:08 Gender Perspectives on Regret 06:03 The Balance of Family and Career 08:55 Fear and Taking Risks 12:01 Raising...

Summary In this engaging interview, Chief Samson 'Mufasa' DeSessa shares his authentic leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of culture, brotherhood, and actionable leadership principles in fire and emergency services. Discover practical insights on fostering a positive work environment, effective hiring, and promoting from within to build resilient teams. Bio: Samson “Mufasa” DeSessa is...

In this episode, Flip Griffin shares his journey from Navy search and rescue to leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of small, intentional actions in leadership. The conversation explores how to develop effective leaders across generations, the role of soft skills, and practical strategies for impactful leadership in high-stakes environments. In this engaging conversation, Flip Griffin...

Summary In this interview, Chief Kevin Duck, newly elected president of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association, shares insights on volunteer fire service, leadership, recruitment, and the importance of volunteer involvement in fire departments. Volunteer fire service recruitment and retention strategies Leadership and organizational management in fire departments The role of volunteers in modern fir...

Summary In this episode, organizational psychologist Melanie Nichols shares insights on human behavior, emotional intelligence, and fostering positive culture within first responder organizations. The discussion covers toxic positivity, emotional awareness, generational differences, and practical strategies for leadership development. Key topics Toxic positivity and its impact on first responders...

Summary This interview with Virginia Beach firefighters in recruit academy, Hayley Whitley & Timothy Jones, offers insights into the challenges of fire academy, leadership development, and the importance of mental and physical preparation for aspiring firefighters. Takeaways Physical readiness is crucial for fire academy success. Mental resilience and understanding your 'why' sustain firefight...

In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle, Kerry, Brian, and Ryan discuss the complexities of leadership and change within public safety organizations. They explore the challenges of ingrained routines, the psychology behind resistance to change, and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic planning in implementing change a...

In this episode, Kerry and Kyle explore the concept of comfort as a barrier to personal growth and development. They discuss how comfort can feel safe and responsible but ultimately stifles growth. The conversation delves into the importance of embracing discomfort, the role of external motivation, and the necessity of teaching resilience to children. They emphasize the significance of values in d...

In this episode, Chief Matthew Caward shares his extensive background in leadership across various fields, including the fire service, sports, and ministry. He discusses the RGB Leadership System, which categorizes individuals into three colors based on their attitudes and behaviors: red (negative), green (influential), and blue (positive). The conversation emphasizes the importance of family, per...

In this conversation, Frank Viscuso shares his journey in the fire service and his insights on leadership. He emphasizes the importance of learning from others' experiences rather than solely relying on personal experience. Viscuso discusses the challenges of leadership, the significance of communication, and the need for self-awareness and personal standards. He also highlights the passion of you...

In this episode, Kerry and Kyle reflect on their experiences at the 2026 TEEX Leadership Symposium. They discuss the importance of teamwork, the support they received, and the engaging conversations they had with keynote speakers. The hosts share personal growth stories, highlight memorable moments, and emphasize the value of learning from others in leadership roles. They also touch on the signifi...

In this conversation, Buck Showalter shares his insights on leadership drawn from his extensive experience in baseball. He emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and failures, the need for authenticity and trust in leadership, and the significance of developing young leaders. Showalter discusses the challenges leaders face, the role of intuition in decision-making, and the value...

The conversation at the TEEX 2026 Leadership Symposium delves into the evolving landscape of leadership within the fire service, emphasizing the importance of mental health, generational differences, and the calling of firefighting as a vocation. Retired Chief Patrick Kenny shares insights on the need for supportive environments, the impact of personal stories, and the role of faith in navigating...

This conversation features leaders from the San Bernardino County Fire Department discussing their experiences and insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of firefighting. They emphasize the importance of personal growth, empowerment, and adapting to new challenges in the fire service. The discussion also highlights the department's unique operational environment and their commitment to...

In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, hosts engage with attendees Jack Bode and Parker Forrest from Wise County ESD1, discussing their experiences at a leadership conference. They emphasize the importance of early leadership development, the challenges they face, and the significance of finding one's purpose in the fire service. The conversation highlights the dynamic nature of leadership...

In this episode, Jason Corthell discusses his journey from a firefighter to a leader in mental health advocacy within the fire service. He emphasizes the importance of mental wellness for leaders and the younger generation's role in changing the narrative around mental health. Jason shares insights on engaging recruits, measuring the impact of mental health programs, and the significance of person...

In this episode, Dr. Ashby and retired Chief Deere discuss the importance of leadership, accountability, and culture within the fire service. They emphasize the need for both top-down and bottom-up approaches to foster a strong organizational culture. The conversation explores the challenges of hiring and promoting the right individuals, the mental health crisis in the fire service, and the system...

In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Jamie and Bob discuss their experiences and insights on leadership within the fire service. They emphasize the importance of understanding different perspectives across ranks, the evolution of leadership styles, and the critical role of communication in fostering effective leadership. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to empower their te...

In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Todd Blylevin shares his profound journey from trauma to triumph, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and mental health in leadership, especially within the first responder community. He discusses his experiences as a survivor of the Las Vegas shooting, the impact of trauma on individuals, and the necessity of sharing stories to foster understa...

In this episode, Kyle and Kerry discuss the critical issue of mental health in the fire service with 2025 essay contest winner Marc Wysocki. They explore the challenges firefighters face, the importance of maintaining mental wellness, and the need for a cultural shift in how mental health is perceived and addressed within the industry. Mark shares his personal experiences and insights from his ess...

In this fun, off-the-cuff episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into a rapid-fire “Would You Rather” session with a leadership twist. No prep, no scripts — just honest reactions, personal stories, and real-time reflection. From choosing between being trusted or respected, to navigating decisive vs. democratic leadership, to the classic debate of coffee vs. hobbies, the conversa...

In this raw and honest conversation, Kyle and Kerry unpack why so many of us feel lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected even while “checking all the boxes.” They dive into the versions of ourselves people see, why some think we’re kind and others think we’re a jerk, and how boundaries, burnout, and life experience shape who we become. Anchored around Mother Teresa’s quote,  “If you want to change the...

In this episode of the  HC Leadership Podcast , Kyle and Kerry dive deep into what it really means to be  reliable  and  dependable  as a leader not just in moments that matter, but in the everyday, ordinary tasks that build trust and credibility. They unpack the difference between reliability and dependability, explore why predictability in leadership creates stability amid chaos, and share how a...