The Spitfire Podcast with Lauren LeMunyan

Tired of leaders who throw around trendy terms but fail to walk the talk? So are we. In this fiery episode, we dig into one of 2025's most exhausting workplace epidemics: performative leadership. From fake psychological safety claims to the illusion of inclusion, we're calling out the empty mantras and surface-level stunts for what they are—lip service. Tune in as we unpack what real leadership lo...

Forget everything you thought you knew about leadership—literally. The strongest leaders aren't the ones with all the answers; they're the ones who embrace the unknown, ask the right questions, and create space for innovation. In this episode, we're breaking down why the pressure to "know it all" is exhausting (and outdated) and how leaning into uncertainty can be the ultimate leadership superpowe...

It's one thing to be a leader. It's a whole different beast to lead other leaders. If you've ever thought, "Why didn't anyone teach me this?"—you're not alone. In this podcast, we dive into the art (and science) of leading high-powered, independent thinkers without losing your mind (or your best talent). From ego management to coaching over commanding, we break down what it really takes to lead le...

Feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty and stress? You're not alone. In this episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan sits down with Brian Trzaskos , Director of Education at the Somatic Coaching Academy, to dive into the power of somatic coaching and how it can help you reclaim your energy, center yourself, and create space in your life. They explore the mind-body connection , why chron...

In this quick-fire episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan drops a game-changing tip that could transform your entire day—starting with the first 15 minutes. If you're guilty of waking up and immediately diving into notifications, emails, and news cycles, it's time to reclaim your energy. Lauren shares her personal experiment of staying off the phone in the morning, the surprising r...

In this episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan shares a hilarious and heartfelt journey through technical mishaps, doctor visits, and spontaneous connections with strangers. From discovering hidden microphone features to turning grumpy veterans into laughing buddies, Lauren reminds us that joy, humor, and human connection are always within reach—if we choose to show up with curiosi...

Feeling gross about self-promotion? You're not alone. Join Lauren LeMunyan, the Spitfire Coach, as she tackles the age-old cringe of selling yourself and flips the script with a fresh perspective: showcasing. In this episode, Lauren unpacks how to present your impact with clarity and confidence, ditching the slimy sales vibes for authentic storytelling. Whether you're navigating a career shift, ai...

What happens when you finally listen to your gut and make a bold move toward a life aligned with your values? In this episode of The Spitfire Podcast , Lauren opens up about her decision to end a 20-year client relationship after becoming a mother shifted her priorities. Through a heartfelt journey of self-discovery, Lauren explores the toll of unresolved frustration and the freedom that comes fro...

In this energizing episode, host Lauren LeMunyan, The Spitfire Coach, dives into the transformative concept of "Let Them," inspired by Mel Robbins and her insights from We Can Do Hard Things Podcast. Lauren shares how this mindset can help you embrace personal autonomy, let go of control, and create healthier, more peaceful interactions in your life. Join Lauren as she reflects on navigating judgm...

Are you working with a coach who feels off? Or are you considering hiring one but unsure how to spot the red flags? In this episode of The Spitfire Podcast, host Lauren LeMunyan dives into the critical topic of ethical coaching and why it's essential for both clients and coaches to stay informed. Lauren breaks down the key credentials you should look for (ACC, PCC, MCC), the importance of coaching...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan shares her journey of rediscovering balance, navigating postpartum depression, and overcoming the fear of imperfection. Lauren reflects on the power of storytelling, both as a way to connect with others and as a tool for personal growth. From sleepless nights to parenting breakthroughs, shifting client dynamics...

In this fiery episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan dives deep into a transformational coaching moment that redefines what it means to live in alignment. Lauren shares a powerful story about a client who broke free from self-judgment and external comparison to unlock their true potential. You'll learn how to recognize the subtle ways judgment holds you back and discover the key to...

This week host, Lauren LeMunyan, unpacks the game-changing "Curiosity Circle"—a simple yet powerful exercise that helps unlock fresh ideas and clear the clutter. 🚀 Topics include: Real-world applications of curiosity-driven problem solving Tips for creating meaningful projects and programs beyond the assumed known How to engage yourself and teams with this innovative framework Whether you're a le...

In this comeback episode of The Spitfire Podcast , host Lauren LeMunyan, the Spitfire Coach, celebrates the show's seventh anniversary with a raw and unfiltered discussion on self-care, mental health, and the pressures of wearing many hats in life. Fresh off maternity leave, Lauren reflects on her experience balancing life as a new mom, military spouse, CEO, and caregiver—all while keeping it real...

In this enlightening episode, Lauren explores the all-too-common scenario of sharing exciting news, only to be met with negativity or criticism. She introduces us to the concept of "yucking on someone's yum," a phrase that encapsulates the act of diminishing someone else's joy with our own skepticism or negative reactions. Lauren, with her characteristic wit and insight, shares personal anecdotes...

In this episode, we're peeling back the layers on a seemingly innocuous meeting management tactic that's sparking heated debates among business leaders: the "ELMO" method. Imagine you're sharing your thoughts in a meeting, only to be abruptly halted with a card that reads "ELMO" – shorthand for "Enough, Let's Move On." While some hail it as a productivity hack, our host Lauren delves into the dark...

  🎧 Unlocking Simplicity: How We Miss Obvious Solutions & What To Do About It  In an era where complexity is often seen as a sign of sophistication, the art of simplicity remains undervalued. Lauren LeMunyan, with her unique blend of wit and wisdom, takes you on a journey to rediscover the power of simplicity in solving problems that seem insurmountable. Through her engaging narrative and practic...

In this milestone 200th episode of The Spitfire Podcast, we're diving deep into a common leadership dilemma: the frustrating chasm between talk and action. Have you ever found yourself trapped in a meeting marathon with no finish line in sight? Endless discussions, but not a step forward? We've all been there, and it's time to tackle this head-on. What's on the Agenda: The Real Cost of Inaction: U...

In today's episode we discuss the high cost of avoidance when it comes to addressing poor performance in various areas of life and the negative impact that underperformers can have on teams, decreasing overall productivity and morale. With compelling statistics and personal anecdotes, Lauren highlights the importance of addressing these issues and maintaining a positive culture and encourages indi...

Join in on this five-year guided meditation where you will embark on a journey to envision where you will be five years from now. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go of any tension as you imagine yourself in a place of success and fulfillment. Visualize your surroundings, your appearance, and your feelings in this future state. Reflect on the achievements and milestones you have accomp...

Prepare to dive deep in this heart-to-heart episode of The Spitfire Podcast, where our fearless host Lauren LeMunyan gets real about the nitty-gritty of vulnerability and rejection. In a candid recount of a recent coach meet and greet event, Lauren peels back the layers of her own vulnerability. Imagine standing in a room filled with top-tier coaches, their resumes shining brighter than the chande...

In this eye-opening episode of The Spitfire Podcast, we delve into the heart of workplace dynamics, confronting the critical issues that hinder effective communication and collaboration. It's no secret that a breakdown in these areas is often the root cause of workplace failures. We're taking a hard look at why and how communication frequently becomes a one-way street, leading to frustration and m...

As the year comes to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on our accomplishments and set new goals for the future. In this episode of the Spitfire Podcast, host Lauren LeMunyan takes us through a recap of the year and encourages us to celebrate our achievements, both personally and professionally.  Lauren encourages listeners to take stock of their own achievements and draw inspiration for th...

After recently picking up Adam Grant's new book, Hidden Potential, Lauren stumbles upon the true history of "hard" and "soft" skills. These terms are embedded in leadership development and it's interesting to see how the label of these two areas has impacted our perception of value and therefore investment in the development of these skills for existing and future leaders. Learn what we're calling...

We've all heard about burnout. The World Health Organization defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon "conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed." But do you know the first sign of burnout? In today's video Lauren sheds light on an often ignored and sometimes praised signal of burnout. Can you notice it in yourself or others?   Want More?...