Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast

About Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast

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.

Publisher

Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jan 2026

Latest episode

3 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Episode 21: Leadership Lessons from a Fire Chief Turned Command Chief | CMSgt (Ret.) Joey Meininger

   In this Season 2 Finale of the Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast, I sit down with Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joey Meininger, whose remarkable career took him from firefighter to Fire Chief and ultimately to Command Chief Master Sergeant. Whether you're a first-time supervisor, seasoned executive, firefighter, military member, or simply passionate about leadership, this episode offers practical lessons that apply far beyond the fire service. CONNECT WITH THE SHANTON EFFECT VIEW, LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple and Spotify! Website: https://theshantoneffect.com (https://theshantoneffect.com) Follow on social media: Instagram: @callsignchief1 TikTok: @callsignchief1 LinkedIn: Shanton Russell SUBSCRIBE to https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUUdqOU9ZcmNXTjVJQkx2YlJtTkFNY3xBR3JiS2FuMkoyRktSc3NPNWdZWk9hSkQ0R2JIZ01EaVVsV2dieGU1QWdEM05uMk9BUE5WaXNYclc1SWRYVWYyV0x2X2QyOU5qSkF2N05lQ3ZITDhQcTkybjhyYkJobnZib00w&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Fthechttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUM4Zm9rU0xFNFJrTG9tNzNsSk1GTUxrbGJfU3xBR3JiS2FuZmszcmN1OFlnZHVQS0FUTDRBYUpKeFp4WHdnVlNOY3BjaVF0b3dUbVBXUmVDUGluZzRjdVhZWjNWUWE5NEd2Z2stdkVuVDlrNGlJdzk1eXdQM3QzTklkazBUZkp0%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Fthechttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fredirect%253Fevent%253Dvideo_description%2526redir_token%253DQUFFLUhqbUVhZXR4dWV5MGdQWGdibUszMjV6TU44dkxXQXxBQ3Jtc0tsODdUUzFROXphWGpWb29oclFRWkRIbkJpYldMTVFuWFQtOWFXS3plTzJRV1Q3R1IxQnI3TXBoSUd3QTdBZGw3RjZuYnBXTE5tQ0RZbDJmcWFCcXBLalhITGNHUzFHdmRzUUt2LVJ3VG55bHAxajFWSQ%2526q%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%25252Fthecommute%2526v%253DtJ2tShau1v8%26v%3DgDUU7w2Pce0&v=7E-Wix_z3vo) Newsletter for leadership lessons, observations, and reflections from the road ahead. ORDER your copy of the https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUUg2eFgzUmJrNC1qa1JER1JTd1dTRXxBR3JiS2FubmdkUlB1R3hPSExGU2lRaVN2XzlLM012RkZKd05HVzBaUDdOSHhPT1ZFNW1QMjJ2UTlCdEI1V3ROcDl6SWg1amlJajhFSVk4djhmUGgzVVRzNFVtVmh0eHMxWUZr&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Ffielhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUM4Zm9rUzFTQWozelFla2N1T0lPODRSelZxUXxBR3JiS2FrNWMxTWViYXRqYXJvQktyRkxaakhvOW9yMXN1Z3RvS1BVaG5HTWdBYm9zeV85SzNmNXUzZDRXYWFTMW1KNzBEUE1jcDVZUmgxXzhQNE9VX0dxRzNWRDY0bVFZMmk4%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Ffielhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fredirect%253Fevent%253Dvideo_description%2526redir_token%253DQUFFLUhqa2dCUmxJZ2Q0QTZIQ0NtZVRSRHUtUEQ0eDlhZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsZ09iT1pLS0F1dnJqTEFYVzMxaWdaUlZ2cXpiR2RWdDRBUGp6aTE5QXJLN2swZTNFeEVMTVZLczltcnhjS0tyRUNPSVN1ZmlZNlpZOXlpQVpmeThlMFNXUkZpS3hTTEVaRno1bFhBQzFQV3k2c3RGMA%2526q%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%25252Ffieldguide%2526v%253DtJ2tShau1v8%26v%3DgDUU7w2Pce0&v=7E-Wix_z3vo) for Firefighters, NCOs, and Emerging Leaders today! The views expressed by guests do not reflect the opinions of Shanton Russell or The Shanton Effect. The views and opinions expressed do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Government.

2. 

   27 Jul 2026

   Episode 20: Building Teams On Purpose with Quentin Davis

   In this episode, Shanton sits down with leadership strategist, author, and QTR Foundry co-founder Quentin Davis for a conversation that challenges one of the biggest assumptions in leadership. Drawing from more than two decades of experience advising executive teams and developing leaders, Quentin explains why execution ultimately depends on people, not plans. Whether you're leading a fire department, military unit, business, or nonprofit organization, this episode offers practical leadership lessons you can apply immediately. About Quentin Davis Quentin Davis is a human capital executive, leadership strategist, and co-founder of QTR Foundry, where he helps organizations improve execution by aligning leadership behavior, organizational structure, and team performance. CONNECT WITH QUENTIN DAVIS Website: https://quentindavis1.com (https://quentindavis1.com) CONNECT WITH THE SHANTON EFFECT VIEW, LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple and Spotify! Website: https://theshantoneffect.com (https://theshantoneffect.com) Follow on social media: Instagram: @callsignchief1 TikTok: @callsignchief1 LinkedIn: Shanton Russell SUBSCRIBE to https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rU0xFNFJrTG9tNzNsSk1GTUxrbGJfU3xBR3JiS2FuZmszcmN1OFlnZHVQS0FUTDRBYUpKeFp4WHdnVlNOY3BjaVF0b3dUbVBXUmVDUGluZzRjdVhZWjNWUWE5NEd2Z2stdkVuVDlrNGlJdzk1eXdQM3QzTklkazBUZkp0&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Fthechttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqbUVhZXR4dWV5MGdQWGdibUszMjV6TU44dkxXQXxBQ3Jtc0tsODdUUzFROXphWGpWb29oclFRWkRIbkJpYldMTVFuWFQtOWFXS3plTzJRV1Q3R1IxQnI3TXBoSUd3QTdBZGw3RjZuYnBXTE5tQ0RZbDJmcWFCcXBLalhITGNHUzFHdmRzUUt2LVJ3VG55bHAxajFWSQ%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Fthecommute%26v%3DtJ2tShau1v8&v=gDUU7w2Pce0) Newsletter for leadership lessons, observations, and reflections from the road ahead. ORDER your copy of the https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rUzFTQWozelFla2N1T0lPODRSelZxUXxBR3JiS2FrNWMxTWViYXRqYXJvQktyRkxaakhvOW9yMXN1Z3RvS1BVaG5HTWdBYm9zeV85SzNmNXUzZDRXYWFTMW1KNzBEUE1jcDVZUmgxXzhQNE9VX0dxRzNWRDY0bVFZMmk4&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Ffielhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqa2dCUmxJZ2Q0QTZIQ0NtZVRSRHUtUEQ0eDlhZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsZ09iT1pLS0F1dnJqTEFYVzMxaWdaUlZ2cXpiR2RWdDRBUGp6aTE5QXJLN2swZTNFeEVMTVZLczltcnhjS0tyRUNPSVN1ZmlZNlpZOXlpQVpmeThlMFNXUkZpS3hTTEVaRno1bFhBQzFQV3k2c3RGMA%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Ffieldguide%26v%3DtJ2tShau1v8&v=gDUU7w2Pce0) for Firefighters, NCOs, and Emerging Leaders today! The views expressed by guests do not reflect the opinions of Shanton Russell or The Shanton Effect. The views and opinions expressed do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Government.

3. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Episode 19: Finding Your Why | Leadership, Service & Purpose - Chief Marlon Smith

   What happens when your journey spans oceans, multiple military branches, the fire service, and public leadership, all guided by a clear sense of purpose? In this episode of the Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast, host Chief Shanton Russell sits down with Chief Marlon Smith to discuss a remarkable career built on service, adaptability, and leadership. Born in Canada and later becoming a U.S. citizen, Marlon shares how his experiences as an immigrant helped shape his work ethic and commitment to serving others. From working aboard sailboats and crossing the Atlantic Ocean, to serving as a firefighter, medic, Coast Guard officer, Air Force Reservist, and Fire Marshal, his story is one of continuous growth and reinvention. Together, Shanton and Marlon explore what it truly means to find your why, build trust as a leader, embrace change, and leave a lasting impact on the people you serve. Whether you're a firefighter, military member, first responder, or simply someone striving to lead with purpose, this conversation is filled with practical leadership lessons and inspiring stories. CONNECT WITH THE SHANTON EFFECT VIEW, LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @TheShantonEffect Listen on Apple and Spotify! Website: http://theshantoneffect.com (http://theshantoneffect.com) Follow on social media: Instagram: @callsignchief1 TikTok: @callsignchief1 LinkedIn: Shanton Russell SUBSCRIBE to https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/thec)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVDBhVHlka21FMW1wS2pENTZ4VjJQeXxBR3JiS2FuemxJU2tCdWpobDFhMC1FS0RPZnJwWlFJQk0tM3N6ZHVvMHRvRWp0NkJZdV9WZjdHVlplSV90NmlRY1VZZThPczZQN3NsbXMtOVRTd1FTUlRYMENTUkdzbnFnZm0y&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Fthechttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqbUVhZXR4dWV5MGdQWGdibUszMjV6TU44dkxXQXxBQ3Jtc0tsODdUUzFROXphWGpWb29oclFRWkRIbkJpYldMTVFuWFQtOWFXS3plTzJRV1Q3R1IxQnI3TXBoSUd3QTdBZGw3RjZuYnBXTE5tQ0RZbDJmcWFCcXBLalhITGNHUzFHdmRzUUt2LVJ3VG55bHAxajFWSQ%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Fthecommute%26v%3DtJ2tShau1v8&v=gDUU7w2Pce0) Newsletter for leadership lessons, observations, and reflections from the road ahead. ORDER your copy of the https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel (https://www.theshantoneffect.com/fiel)... (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUM4Zm9rVFhHaFVvUDRVS3FRanNiMHBZQ2xzZ3xBR3JiS2FrVFE4X0NETTg4NHJadlpEM0c3Yl8wNnA1SDVQd25vdzdFU0c0d1ljb01xa0Vrc3ctdE14SVMteFl6NkhUbFdkeUo0ZEsyYjhUS2ptLXFnd1o2V2JRMjhVZUlsVnRY&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%2Ffielhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqa2dCUmxJZ2Q0QTZIQ0NtZVRSRHUtUEQ0eDlhZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsZ09iT1pLS0F1dnJqTEFYVzMxaWdaUlZ2cXpiR2RWdDRBUGp6aTE5QXJLN2swZTNFeEVMTVZLczltcnhjS0tyRUNPSVN1ZmlZNlpZOXlpQVpmeThlMFNXUkZpS3hTTEVaRno1bFhBQzFQV3k2c3RGMA%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.theshantoneffect.com%252Ffieldguide%26v%3DtJ2tShau1v8&v=gDUU7w2Pce0) for Firefighters, NCOs, and Emerging Leaders today! The views expressed by guests do not reflect the opinions of Shanton Russell or The Shanton Effect. The views and opinions expressed do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Government.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Contact Call Sign Chief-1 Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.