Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast

Episode 10: Mental Health is Part of Your PPE | Featuring Carol-Ann Cerkan (Season Finale)

Mental health isn't separate from the job. It's part of it. In this season finale of Call Sign Chief-1, we tackle one of the most important conversations in emergency services: breaking the stigma around seeking help and building real resilience. I’m joined by Carol-Anne Cerkan, a Licensed Professional Counselor and trauma specialist, who brings powerful insight into what positive mental health looks like for first responders and why this population deserves more focused support. This episode challenges outdated mindsets, reinforces that seeking help is a responsibility, not a weakness, and provides practical ways to take care of yourself and your people. If you or someone you know needs help, visit www.theshantoneffect.com/mental-health-advocacy [http://www.theshantoneffect.com/mental-health-advocacy] for a list of resources. You don't have to carry it alone. VIEW, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple and Spotify!

Episode 9: In Kindness & In Health

Episode 9: In Kindness & In Health In Episode 9, I reflect on three recent encounters that reminded me why kindness and professionalism still matter. I also share my recent colonoscopy experience during Colon Cancer Awareness Month and why taking care of yourself is part of leadership too. This episode is a reminder that how we treat others matters, and so does how we take care of ourselves. VIEW, LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast channel.

Episode 8: Lessons From The Second Seat - SMSgt Justin Fellure (Deputy Fire Chief)

In Episode 8 of the Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast, Chief Shanton Russell sits down with Senior Master Sergeant Justin Fellure, Deputy Fire Chief with the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, to discuss powerful leadership lessons from the “second seat.” Justin shares his journey from growing up in Jacksonstown, Ohio, to building a successful career in the United States Air Force fire service. In this conversation, we explore leadership, mentorship, firefighter training, and the critical role deputy leaders play in supporting the mission and developing teams. Justin and Chief Russell also reflect on their deployments together to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, and the leadership lessons learned in high-tempo operational environments. This episode is packed with insights for firefighters, military leaders, and anyone developing their leadership skills. Topics include: • Leadership from the second seat • Fire service training and readiness • Mentorship and developing firefighters • Military leadership lessons • Building trust within teams 🎙 Episode 8 – Lessons From The Second Seat

Episode 7: From Airman Basic to Chief - CMSgt (Ret.) Alton Robinson

In Episode 7 of the Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast, Shanton chats with the DoD's Fire & Emergency Services Certification Program Manager, CMSgt (Ret.) Alton Robinson, who shares the leadership lessons that shaped his journey from Airman Basic to Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force's fire protection career field. The chiefs discuss mentorship, professional development, leadership during deployments, and why steady leadership matters most when the pressure is highest. VIEW, LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple and Spotify!

Episode 6: Consistency Builds Trust - CMSgt (Ret.) William Taylor

In this episode of Call Sign Chief-1, CMSgt (Ret.) William Taylor reflects on three decades of leadership in the Air Force fire service and the lessons that shaped his command philosophy. We discuss the power of mentorship, the importance of training as a life-or-death responsibility, and why consistency builds trust within a team. Chief Taylor shares insight on leading across cultures, navigating the accreditation process, managing ego, and maintaining humility in positions of authority. This conversation reinforces a simple truth: leadership is about the people you serve and the standard you consistently uphold. If you’re an NCO, Company Officer, or developing leader, this episode offers practical wisdom grounded in experience.