The Passionate Leader

The Passionate Leader

Business EN ↓ 70 episodes

The Passionate Leader Podcast Real talk from the frontlines of the fire service. Hosted by Deputy Chief JP Royea, this show cuts through the noise with raw stories, leadership lessons, and hard-earned insights from nearly 25 years in the job. Whether you’re a new recruit, rising officer, or veteran looking to lead with purpose. This podcast is for you. No ego, no nonsense just the truth about what it takes to build respect, culture, and accountability in the firehouse and beyond.

Author

The Passionate Leader

Category

Business

Podcast website

www.thepassionateleader.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

Episode 41: Nick Higgins Pt 1 30.12.2025

In part one of this conversation, we sit down with Nick Higgins to talk about leadership that starts from the inside out. We get into his work as an author, the lessons behind his current book, and the groundwork being laid for what’s coming next. Nick shares why the fire service cannot be a firefighter’s entire identity and how separating who you are from what you do is critical for longevity, pe...

Episode 40 Santa Claus Pt 2 24.12.2025

In Part Two of this special Christmas conversation, Santa returns on Christmas Eve to share what happens in the moments before the sleigh takes flight. With the big night just hours away, he offers a behind-the-scenes look at how he prepares, what is going through his mind as he checks the list one final time, and why belief and kindness matter more than ever. This episode focuses on anticipation,...

Episode 39 Santa Claus Pt 1 23.12.2025

In Part One of this Christmas special, The Passionate Leader Podcast welcomes Santa for a heartfelt conversation about the true meaning of giving. Stepping away from the noise and expectations that often surround the holidays, Santa reflects on what he believes is the greatest gift anyone can offer: peace. Through a personal story involving handcrafted coins made by a close friend, Santa explores...

Episode 38: Kitchen Table Talk from the Tok 16.12.2025

This conversation explores various themes related to leadership in the fire service, including the importance of developing people, the challenges of micromanagement, and the significance of community and family. The participants share personal experiences, discuss the NREMT exam preparation, and reflect on the culture within the fire service, including issues of gatekeeping and accountability. Th...

Episode 37: Ric Wilkinson Pt 2 13.12.2025

for more information please visit www.thepassionateleader.com

Episode 36: Ric Wilkinson Pt 1 13.12.2025

for more info please visit www.thepassionateleader.com

Episode 35: Dennis Carradin Pt 2 13.12.2025

for more information please visit www.thepassionateleader.com

Episode 34 Dennis Carradin Pt 1 13.12.2025

for more info please visit www.thepassionateleader.com

Episode 33 Kristin and Terry Dunn Pt 2 19.11.2025

Summary In this episode, Terry and Kristin Dunn, a firefighter and therapist duo, discuss the challenges faced by first responders and their families. They share their personal journeys into their respective professions, the impact of trauma on first responders, and the importance of communication and connection in relationships. The Dunns emphasize the need for self-care, support, and understandi...

Episode 32 Kristin and Terry Dunn Pt 1 18.11.2025

In this episode, Terry and Kristin Dunn, a firefighter and therapist duo, discuss the challenges faced by first responders and their families. They share their personal journeys into their respective professions, the impact of trauma on first responders, and the importance of communication and connection in relationships. The Dunns emphasize the need for self-care, support, and understanding withi...

Episode 31: Tom LeVey Pt 2 12.11.2025

In this conversation, Lieutenant Tom LeVey shares his inspiring journey from being laid off at General Motors to becoming a lieutenant in the Madison Heights Fire Department. He discusses the importance of mentorship, aggressive firefighting techniques, and the need for continuous training and development in the fire service. Tom emphasizes the significance of community support and the challenges...

Episode 30: Tom LeVey Pt. 1 11.11.2025

In this conversation, Lieutenant Tom LeVey shares his inspiring journey from being laid off at General Motors to becoming a lieutenant in the Madison Heights Fire Department. He discusses the importance of mentorship, aggressive firefighting techniques, and the need for continuous training and development in the fire service. Tom emphasizes the significance of community support and the challenges...

Episode 29 Wayne Jones Pt 2 05.11.2025

In this engaging conversation, Wayne Jones, a training officer in South Carolina, shares his journey in the fire service and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind training. He discusses his transition from firefighter to instructor, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of teaching across generational gaps. Wayne emphasizes the need for mutual respect in training environmen...

Episode 28: Uncle Wayne Pt 1 04.11.2025

In this engaging conversation, Wayne Jones, a training officer in South Carolina, shares his journey in the fire service and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind training. He discusses his transition from firefighter to instructor, the significance of mentorship, and the challenges of teaching across generational gaps. Wayne emphasizes the need for mutual respect in training environmen...

Episode 27: Jason Freeman Pt 2 29.10.2025

Summary In this conversation, Captain Jason Freeman discusses the current state of leadership in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of cultural change, expectations, and support systems to prevent burnout and retain valuable personnel. He shares insights on the challenges faced by officers, the significance of peer support, and the need for effective training and accountability. The disc...

Episode 26 :Jason Freeman Pt 1 28.10.2025

Summary In this conversation, Captain Jason Freeman discusses the current state of leadership in the fire service, emphasizing the importance of cultural change, expectations, and support systems to prevent burnout and retain valuable personnel. He shares insights on the challenges faced by officers, the significance of peer support, and the need for effective training and accountability. The disc...

Episode 23 George Redner Pt 2 Re-release 23.10.2025

re-released for the sake of spotify being picky

Episode 24 Mike Elhihi Pt 1 Re-release 23.10.2025

re-release after a spotify issue. for the original check it out on apple podcast

Episode 25 Mike Elhihi Pt 2 Re-release 23.10.2025

this is a re-release after an issue with spotify for the OG please visit us on apple podcast

Episode 24: Mike Elhihi Part 1 23.10.2025

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Elhihi a Captain who’s done it all and still keeps his boots grounded. We talk about his rise in the fire service, what it’s like to occupy multiple seats in the rig, and the uncomfortable reality of leading through tough conversations. Mike opens up about accepting that leadership isn’t always about doing what we want, but doing what’s right for the team and...

Episode 23 George Redner Part 2 23.10.2025

In this heartfelt conversation, George Redner shares his profound journey as a firefighter and the unimaginable losses he faced, including the suicides of his sons. He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness in the fire service, breaking the stigma surrounding seeking help, and finding purpose in grief. George's story highlights the need for peer support and the significance of addres...

Episode 25: Mike Elhihi Pt 2 22.10.2025

In part two of my sit down with Mike Elhihi, we dive into his platform Front Seat Leadership and what it really means to lead from every position in the rig. We talk about owning your attitude, setting the tone from the front seat, and staying accountable even when it’s uncomfortable. This one is about more than leadership. It’s about living the standard you expect from everyone else. If you’re se...

Episode 22 George Redner Pt 1 14.10.2025

In this heartfelt conversation, George Redner shares his profound journey as a firefighter and the unimaginable losses he faced, including the suicides of his sons. He emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness in the fire service, breaking the stigma surrounding seeking help, and finding purpose in grief. George's story highlights the need for peer support and the significance of addres...

Episode 21 Christian Schuele 08.10.2025

In this conversation, Christian "Old Man Copper" Schuele shares his journey through leadership challenges, mental health struggles, and the importance of support within the fire service. He discusses the impact of career setbacks and the need for understanding and communication in professional environments. Additionally, he introduces his entrepreneurial venture, Old Man Copper, where he creates m...

Episode 20: Christian Schuele Pt 1 07.10.2025

In this conversation, Christian "Copper" Schuele shares his journey through leadership challenges, mental health struggles, and the importance of support within the fire service. He discusses the impact of career setbacks and the need for understanding and communication in professional environments. Additionally, he introduces his entrepreneurial venture, Old Man Copper, where he creates mustache...

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