Iron and Empathy

About Iron and Empathy

Iron and Empathy is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by educator and leadership strategist Drew Moldenhauer, exploring what it truly takes to build resilient teams, sustain peak performance, and lead with both strength and emotional intelligence in today’s demanding world. Each episode brings together voices from business, education, public safety, creative industries, and culture to unpack the real forces behind high-performing teams—psychological safety, trust, discipline, empathy, and the courage to evolve. From executives and educators to artists, athletes, and performers, Drew sits down with people who have felt pressure firsthand and found ways to grow stronger without losing themselves.

Publisher

Drew Moldenhauer

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

5 Jan 2026

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   The Hidden Power of Mentorship and Human Connection with Dr. Deborah Heiser

   What if getting older actually makes us happier? In this episode of Iron and Empathy, Drew Moldenhauer sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Deborah Heiser to challenge common assumptions about aging, happiness, and finding purpose. Deborah shares the personal experience that changed her career and explains why some of life's most meaningful chapters may still be ahead. They also explore the hidden signs of depression and anxiety, the importance of mentorship, and why we often underestimate the difference we make in other people's lives. From workplace leadership to the lasting influence of everyday interactions, Deborah offers a fresh perspective on mental health, human connection, and the legacy we're creating without even realizing it. Stay Connected Reach out to Drew and sign-up for newsletters and podcast updates at Blue-Ethos.com Connect with Dr. Deborah Heiser: Website: DeborahHeiser.com (https://deborahheiser.com) LinkedIn: Dr. Deborah Heiser Psychology Today: The Right Side of Forty Substack: The Right Side of Forty Mental Health Screening: MentalMapp.com Book: The Mentorship Edge Key Takeaways Aging can bring greater happiness and purpose. Emotional growth continues throughout life, often leading to stronger connections and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Mental health struggles are often overlooked. Depression and anxiety can appear differently at various ages, making awareness and early screening essential. Mentorship strengthens leadership. Connecting generations allows organizations to share knowledge, build stronger teams, and recognize the value of experience. We underestimate our own influence. Deborah's concept of "impact amnesia" reveals how easily we forget the positive difference we make in others' lives. Legacy goes beyond family and accomplishments. The wisdom, values, and support we share can create a lasting impact far beyond what we see. Keywords Deborah Heiser, Drew Moldenhauer, Iron and Empathy, aging and happiness, emotional intelligence, emotional development, mentorship, leadership, mental health, depression awareness, anxiety, impact amnesia, generativity, personal growth, purpose, legacy, human connection, intergenerational mentorship, psychological well-being, workplace culture

2. 

   28 Sept 2026

   From Pulpit to FBI SWAT: Why Listening Was His Most Powerful Too

   In this episode of Iron and Empathy, Drew Moldenhauer sits down with retired FBI Special Agent Eric Robinson, whose career took an unlikely path from the pulpit to the Bureau. After 12 years in Christian ministry, Eric spent 24 years with the FBI working cases involving white-collar crime, counterterrorism, crimes against children, gangs, drugs, and public corruption, while also serving as a SWAT operator, firearms instructor, and tactics instructor. Eric shares stories from life inside the FBI while exploring the lessons that connected his two very different careers. From building rapport with suspects to trusting teammates in high-pressure situations, he explains why curiosity, listening, and empathy can sometimes accomplish what toughness alone cannot. Eric also reflects on the camaraderie of SWAT, learning from people regardless of experience level, and his upcoming memoir, Irreverent: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI. Stay Connected Reach out to Drew and sign-up for newsletters and podcast updates at Blue-Ethos.com Follow Eric on Instagram at @_Eric_Robinson or find him on LinkedIn by searching Eric Robinson FBI. Follow along for updates on his upcoming memoir, Irreverent: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI. Key Takeaways Eric’s path from Christian ministry to the FBI gave him a unique perspective on communication, human behavior, and empathy. Empathy was an advantage throughout his FBI career. Eric explains that once authority was established, he could approach suspects as human beings rather than feeling the need to continually prove he was in control. Listening without immediately judging can create the space people need to talk openly, whether in ministry, interviews, or everyday interactions. High-performing teams are strengthened through training, trust, shared experiences, and mutual support, something Eric experienced closely on his FBI SWAT team. Confidence under pressure comes in part from preparation and knowing the people beside you are capable and prepared as well. Much of FBI work is far less glamorous than television suggests, involving surveillance, informants, wiretaps, reports, interviews, and long periods of investigative work between high-intensity moments. Experience doesn’t mean you stop learning. Even late in his career, Eric continued seeking input and knowledge from newer agents. One of Eric’s biggest lessons from both ministry and law enforcement was to remain curious, open, and willing to see the human being in front of you rather than beginning with judgment. Keywords Eric Robinson, FBI, FBI Special Agent, SWAT, law enforcement, FBI SWAT, Christian ministry, Baptist pastor, empathy, active listening, communication, human behavior, high-performing teams, teamwork, trust, leadership, law enforcement leadership, high-pressure environments, criminal investigations, counterterrorism, crimes against children, public corruption, narcotics investigations, firearms training, Irreverent, From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI, Iron and Empathy

3. 

   14 Sept 2026

   The Evolution of Police Training with Chad Malmberg

   In this episode of Iron and Empathy, Drew Moldenhauer sits down with Chad Malmberg, CEO of Storm Training Group, to discuss how law enforcement training has evolved and why realistic, practical instruction matters in critical incidents. Drawing from his military, law enforcement, SWAT, and combat sports experience, Chad shares what shaped his approach to training and examines gaps in traditional defensive tactics. The conversation explores the connection between training and real-world outcomes, why instructor development matters, and the importance of understanding the “why” behind training. Chad and Drew also discuss balancing tactical decision-making with empathy and professionalism, developing leadership at every rank, and learning from critical incidents to continually improve. Stay Connected Reach out to Drew and sign-up for newsletters and podcast updates at Blue-Ethos.com (http://Blue-Ethos.com) Connect with Chad Malmberg: Learn more about Chad and Storm Training Group, explore upcoming courses, or get in touch at StormTrainingGroup.com (http://StormTrainingGroup.com). You can also follow Storm Training Group on social media for updates. Keywords Police training, law enforcement training, Chad Malmberg, Storm Training Group, defensive tactics, use of force, officer safety, critical incidents, de-escalation, police leadership, instructor development, scenario-based training, officer performance, organizational culture, public trust, combat sports, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, decision-making under stress, training outcomes, Iron and Empathy Key Takeaways Realistic training matters under stress. Chad argues that officers need practical defensive and control skills that can be retained during critical incidents, rather than relying on outdated methods that may not reflect what happens in the field. How training is taught matters as much as what is taught. Chad emphasizes adult learning, instructor development, engagement, and explaining the “why” behind techniques rather than simply handing agencies a curriculum. Training should be evaluated through measurable outcomes. Chad discusses a study involving more than 2,800 use-of-force incidents that, according to his account, found improvements across multiple measured outcomes following changes in training. Strength and professionalism aren't mutually exclusive. Chad connects competence and confidence with an officer's ability to communicate, maintain professionalism, and approach difficult encounters effectively. Leadership doesn't require a title. Chad describes leadership as a learned skill and argues that officers at any rank can influence their organization by exceeding standards, setting an example, and contributing to the team. Agencies should learn from critical incidents before the next one happens. Chad recommends creating a use-of-force review process that objectively examines what happened, what could be improved, and how those lessons should influence future training.

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

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