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Leadership isn’t about a person's position. It’s about the responsibility that comes with the position, especially when the stakes are high.
Call Sign Chief-1 is a leadership podcast focused on real conversations about judgment, integrity, followership, and decision-making in high-pressure environments. Hosted by Shanton L. Russell, a retired United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of military and fire service leadership experience, this podcast explores what it truly means to lead when it matters most.
This podcast is primarily a home for fire service, emergency services, and military professionals, but the lessons extend far beyond the uniform. Through solo episodes and conversations with experienced leaders, mentors, and practitioners across disciplines, Call Sign Chief-1 examines leadership from the second seat and beyond, where influence, trust, and accountability are earned, and not simply assigned.
Whether you’re stepping into leadership, refining your command presence, or learning how to lead with purpose and integrity, this podcast is designed to challenge assumptions, sharpen perspective, and pass the torch to the next generation of leaders.
Call Sign Chief-1.
Talking leadership where it matters most.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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Episode 10: Mental Health is Part of Your PPE | Featuring Carol-Ann Cerkan (Season Finale)
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Mar 31, 2026 |
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Episode 9: In Kindness & In Health
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Mar 24, 2026 |
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Episode 8: Lessons From The Second Seat - SMSgt Justin Fellure (Deputy Fire Chief)
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Mar 18, 2026 |
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Episode 7: From Airman Basic to Chief - CMSgt (Ret.) Alton Robinson
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Mar 10, 2026 |
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Episode 6: Consistency Builds Trust - CMSgt (Ret.) William Taylor
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Mar 03, 2026 |
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Episode 5: Leadership, Legacy, and Financial Freedom - CMSgt (Ret.) A.J. Kehl
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Feb 24, 2026 |
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Episode 4: Instinct, Control, and Trusting Your People
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Feb 18, 2026 |
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Episode 3: What Leaders Owe To Their People
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Feb 09, 2026 |
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Episode 2: Leadership, Mentorship, and Accountability - CMSgt (Ret.) Richard Lien
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Feb 02, 2026 |
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Episode 1: You're Leading Long Before You're in Charge
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Jan 26, 2026 |
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Episode 0: Welcome to Call Sign Chief-1
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Jan 20, 2026 |