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 essay, emphasizing the need for proactive measures and support systems to help first responders cope with the unique stresses of their profession.
Takeaways
Mental health challenges in the fire service are often overlooked.
The identity of firefighters can lead to emotional suppression.
Proactive mental health measures should be part of operational readiness.
Cumulative stress can lead to severe mental health issues.
Peer support is crucial but often insufficient without professional help.
The culture of emotional regulation can hinder appropriate emotional responses.
Younger generations are more open to discussing mental health.
Training should include soft skills for better leadership and support.
Everyone deserves mental health support, regardless of their experiences.
The fire service must evolve to address the changing nature of emergency response.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in Fire Service
02:09 Mark Wysocki's Background and Insights
05:59 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
11:57 Identity Fusion and Its Impacts
17:56 Unique Vulnerabilities in Emergency Services
24:02 Cumulative Stress and Seeking Help
29:52 Future Directions for Mental Health in Fire Service
Keywords
mental health, fire service, leadership, identity, emergency response, wellness, peer support, resilience, community service, mental health awareness
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 conversation goes everywhere from lighthearted laughs to deep insights about self-awareness, maturity, mentorship, blind spots, and the realities of leading at home and at work.
This episode is a perfect blend of humor, vulnerability, and wisdom—showing how even simple questions can spark meaningful conversations about leadership, culture, and growth.
Tune in, reflect on your own answers, and join the conversation on our socials!
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 world, go home and love your family,” this episode explores how our culture pushes performance, titles, and image while neglecting character, kindness, and the quiet work inside the four walls of our home. Kyle and Kerry talk through identity drift, the pull of social media, resentment, overcommitment, and the exhaustion of trying to be excellent at everything.
Most importantly, they walk listeners through how to reclaim identity, redefine success, rebuild capacity, and return to what truly fulfills us: presence, intentional relationships, family, compassion, and a life that feels like your own not one the world told you to chase.
A powerful, grounding episode that invites listeners to slow down, take inventory, and start living on purpose again.
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 authentic leaders align their words with their actions. From being the teammate others can count on to learning when to say “no,” this conversation challenges listeners to reflect on how consistently they show up at work, at home, and in life.
Plus, they share exciting updates about podcasting live from the upcoming TEEX Leadership Symposium and what’s ahead for the HC Leadership community.
Key themes:
In this candid and relatable episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into the everyday struggle of bad mornings and how to turn them around before they derail your entire day. From spilled coffee and sleepless nights to workplace frustrations and emotional triggers, they explore how awareness, perspective, and small wins can reset your mindset and refocus your purpose.
Kerry shares practical routines that keep her grounded—from morning exercise and magnesium to sunlight and grace—while Kyle opens up about how music, awareness, and micro-wins help him realign when the day starts sideways. Together, they emphasize how you show up, even on the hard days.
Whether you’re in the firehouse, the boardroom, or just trying to make it through your morning routine, this episode is a reminder that a bad start doesn’t have to mean a bad day.
In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into one of leadership’s toughest balancing acts, knowing when empathy stops helping and starts hurting. Building on last week’s discussion on culture and accountability, they unpack how good intentions can quietly erode standards and create “toxic empathy.”
The hosts explore questions every leader faces:
From the firehouse to the boardroom, Kyle and Kerry share candid reflections on guilt, accountability, and courageous empathy, truth spoken with care. They challenge leaders to stop mistaking comfort for care and start leading with conviction, authenticity, and consistency.
Key takeaway: Empathy is a tool, not a strategy. Use it to guide your perspective, not your decision-making.
In this episode, hosts Kyle and Kerry embark on an insightful discussion about the pivotal role of leadership in shaping workplace culture. They emphasize that culture is not merely dictated by top-level slogans or mission statements but is defined by the consistent behaviors modeled by leaders. They explore how culture is integral to the success of teams, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the transformative power of effective leadership. Identifying culture as a top-down phenomenon, the hosts stress the importance of shared values and the leader’s vision in creating an environment that fosters collaboration and purpose.
In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive deep into the often overlooked leadership skill of discernment, the ability to integrate intuition, analysis, values, and experience to make wise decisions. They unpack why discernment is more than quick judgment, how it differs from both gut instinct and data-driven analysis, and why it is essential for building trust, avoiding reactionary mistakes, and leading with clarity. Through real-world examples from the fire service, parenting, and organizational leadership, they highlight the challenges of slowing down in a fast-paced world, the role of humility in decision-making, and practical ways leaders can sharpen their discernment. If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond reacting and start leading with wisdom, this episode will give you the tools and challenges to start practicing discernment in every aspect of life.
In this episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, hosts Kyle and Kerry explore a counterintuitive truth: effective leadership doesn’t require the loudest voice in the room. Drawing from experiences in the fire service, military, and beyond, they discuss how quiet, observant leaders build trust, influence others, and drive real change. From navigating strong personalities in meetings to empowering teachers and employees, this episode uncovers the power of listening, vulnerability, and presence in leadership. Learn how to lead with calm, confidence, and authenticity—because true leaders don’t need the spotlight; they create the stage for others to shine.
In this candid episode of the HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry explore a topic often overlooked in leadership conversations: the value of coasting. Not all seasons of leadership require maximum effort. Sometimes, stepping back, giving yourself grace, and letting others step up can be the most strategic move. They discuss the importance of recovery, creative outlets, and prioritizing personal life while maintaining professional growth. Listen in as they share personal stories, practical insights, and encouragement for leaders navigating the balance between drive, self-care, and purpose.
In the debut episode of the newly rebranded HC Leadership Podcast, Kyle and Kerry take listeners on a deep dive into what it means to lead authentically. After three years as Heat of Command, they open a new chapter—one that reaches beyond the firehouse to explore leadership lessons from every industry and walk of life.
They unpack the challenges of shedding the “mask” that culture, profession, and insecurity often force us to wear, and why authenticity isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of true leadership. From Carl Jung’s ideas of persona and shadow, to raw stories of failure, identity struggles, and growth, Kyle and Kerry challenge listeners to step into discomfort, confront blind spots, and embrace the hard road of self-reflection.
This episode sets the tone for the future of the podcast: real conversations, raw truths, and leadership forged in fire, led with purpose.
In the final episode of this season, Kyle and Kerry take the gloves off and talk about what most leaders won’t: you can’t lead forward while clinging to who you used to be.
This is a no-frills conversation about the hard truth of transformation. Real leadership requires shedding old armor, unlearning habits that used to work, and facing the pain of becoming someone new. You’ll hear about the resistance that shows up when you try to grow, the backlash from those who liked you better when you were smaller, and why most people quit before they ever change.
But it’s also a call to keep going—to grow anyway. To stand by those who are in the fight. And to remember that becoming a better leader often means becoming a more honest, broken, and resilient human first.
If you're not uncomfortable, you're not growing. And if you're not growing, you're just playing dress-up with a title.
In this episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry have a raw, honest conversation about one of the most overlooked struggles in the fire service: the tension between serving at work and showing up at home.
We dive deep into what it means to live between two families—the crew that depends on you at the station and the loved ones waiting for you on the front porch. From missed dinners to emotional disconnect, we talk about the slow erosion that can happen when the job takes too much and gives too little back to those who matter most.
This episode pulls no punches as we unpack the myths, the guilt, and the pressure that come with trying to lead on two fronts. We also explore practical ways to create boundaries, stay present, and lead with purpose—not just in the firehouse, but at home.
Whether you're a firefighter, a spouse, or a leader trying to do both well, this episode will challenge and encourage you to protect what truly matters—before the uniform comes off for good.
In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into the growing disconnect between what leaders say and what they actually do—especially in the fire service.
From hollow uses of “brotherhood” and “integrity” to the dangerous comfort of performance-based leadership, they call out the culture of buzzwords, empty policies, and promotional speeches that lack authenticity.
They also tackle the harder truths: why we resist self-reflection, how conditional support erodes morale, and why real leadership starts with integrity, not titles.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do my actions align with my values?”—this episode is for you.
It's time to stop talking and start doing. Say less. Show up more.
Forged in fire. Led with purpose.
In this candid and compelling episode of the Heat of Command podcast, Kyle and Kerry tackle a growing crisis in the fire service: the lack of effective succession and continuity planning. With departments across the country getting younger and leadership pipelines growing thinner, they reflect on the challenges of preparing the next generation of leaders—before it’s too late.
From rapid promotions to understaffed specialty positions, they explore the hard truths about what happens when roles are filled by default instead of merit. Through personal experiences, organizational insights, and a few well-earned rants, they offer practical strategies for building leaders faster, smarter, and more intentionally—while empowering current officers to take ownership of their crew's development.
If you're navigating turnover, overwhelmed by training gaps, or just wondering how to keep your department from falling behind, this episode is a must-listen. It’s real talk for real leaders.
In this raw and relatable episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry return from a short break to tackle a tough but vital topic: how to lead authentically when you’re physically, emotionally, or mentally drained. Whether you're burned out, overwhelmed, or simply "not feeling it," they unpack what it means to show up as a leader without faking it—and why sometimes good leadership looks different during hard seasons.
They explore the impact of organizational culture, how to prevent burnout, and why leading at home is just as important—if not more—than leading at work. This episode dives deep into leadership during personal lows, creating support systems, and embracing vulnerability without compromising professionalism. It’s for anyone navigating the tension between personal wellness and professional expectations in high-demand environments.
Key Themes:
In this episode of the Heat of Command Podcast, Kyle and Kerry dive into the challenges of leadership when things don’t go as planned. They explore the concept of leading through resistance, whether it's facing pushback in conversations, dealing with professional setbacks, or navigating obstacles within fire service leadership. The discussion covers strategies for handling defensiveness, understanding different perspectives, and maintaining emotional control in tough situations. They also highlight the importance of knowing your why, adapting to setbacks, and modeling resilience for those you lead.
To wrap up, Kyle and Kerry challenge listeners to reflect on moments of disappointment and think about how they can handle setbacks with grace while staying mission-focused. Tune in for a powerful conversation on how real leaders are forged through adversity!
This episode tackles the pervasive issue of echo chambers in the fire service and beyond. They explore the dangers of a culture where disagreement is stifled, and leaders surround themselves with people who only echo their opinions.
Kyle and Kerry discuss the importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to challenge ideas, contribute different perspectives, and engage in constructive debate. They emphasize how trust, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness play key roles in breaking the cycle of passive agreement and encourage leaders to embrace open dialogue—even when it’s uncomfortable.
The episode also offers practical strategies for shifting organizational culture, including how leaders can empower team members, encourage healthy disagreement, and implement structured decision-making processes that promote innovation. They highlight real-world examples, including their own experiences with leadership development programs, and provide actionable takeaways for leaders looking to build stronger, more resilient teams.
In this episode of The Heat of Command Podcast, hosts Kyle and Kerry dive into the often-overlooked challenges of leadership in the fire service, focusing on the emotional and mental "weight" leaders carry. They explore the burdens of tough decision-making, the pressure of setting an example, and the sacrifices required in leadership roles—burdens that are intensified by the unique demands of firefighting and first response. From the pitfalls of avoiding hard conversations to the loneliness of being at the top, Kyle and Kerry unpack how leaders can feel isolated yet must remain authentic and resilient. They offer practical strategies to lighten the load, including building a strong support system, relinquishing control through delegation, and fostering future leaders. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode aims to equip fire service leaders with tools to navigate the heavy responsibilities they shoulder while staying true to themselves and their teams.
This podcast episode focuses on the crucial question of whether experiencing struggle is an essential component of effective leadership. Kyle and Kerry discuss how both personal and professional challenges can serve as transformative experiences, shaping leaders who are more resilient, empathetic, and insightful. They engage with the idea that overcoming adversity helps leaders gain new perspectives, making them better equipped to handle future challenges. The importance of organizations supporting their members through difficult times is highlighted as vital to fostering a culture of honest and progressive leadership, where lessons learned are openly shared, and growth is continuous.