Leading Ain't Easy
Claim This Podcastby Ryan Calkins and Erny Epley
Podcast Overview
<p>Leadership looks shiny on social media. But the reality is it’s messy, isolating, and full of self-doubt. Leading Ain’t Easy pulls back the curtain on the side of leadership nobody puts on their résumé.</p><p><br></p><p>Created by <b>Ryan Calkins</b> (Marine Corps veteran, career/leadership coach, and founder of Reframe & Rise) and <b>Erny Epley</b> (public-sector leader and founder of Bus Pro Network), this show dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of leading others; whether it’s in the military, the public sector, or the private world of business.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re not here with corporate buzzwords or textbook definitions. Instead, you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>Honest stories about the challenges and failures that shaped us.</li><li>Real conversations about the doubts and decisions leaders wrestle with every day.</li><li>Lessons, frameworks, and laughs that remind you you’re not alone in the struggle.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Episodes run 45-60 minutes (long enough to go deep, short enough for a commute) and drop weekly. Some weeks it’s just us, other weeks we’ll bring in guests (current and aspiring leaders) to share their own unfiltered journeys.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this role, questioned yourself after making a hard call, or felt like a fraud even with the title… this podcast is for you.</p><p><br></p><p>Because leading ain’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/28/2025
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Recent Episodes
July 28, 2026
The Leaders We Create (feat. Erny Epley)
Every leader is teaching — the question is what lesson is actually landing. Ryan Calkins, John Moore, and Erny Epley talk through the unintentional ways we shape the people around us: how we act under pressure, who we show up for, what we carry from the leaders who shaped us, and what we'd want someone to take with them after working for us for five years. Most of the influence you have as a leader isn't the kind you planned, but rather in the little things: whether you check in with your t...
July 21, 2026
The Leadership Hangover: Living With the Decisions You Had to Make
Every leadership resource tells you how to make the hard call. Nobody tells you what happens after. Ryan Calkins and John Moore talk through the emotional and psychological fallout of difficult leadership decisions (terminations, layoffs, denied promotions, etc.) and what it actually looks like to carry that weight while still showing up for your team. Most leadership content stops at the decision. This episode starts there. Ryan and John get into the part that doesn't make it into the book...
July 14, 2026
Who's Really to Blame When Employees Leave?
A viral LinkedIn post claimed that if five employees leave within a year of your leadership, you're the problem. Ryan Calkins, John Moore, and returning show staple Erny Epley take that take apart, share real stories from their own careers, and get honest about what turnover actually tells you about a leader. For anyone who's ever taken someone leaving too personally... or not personally enough. Ryan, John, and Erny (original co-host, back for the first time in a while) sit down with a Link...
39 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Leading Ain't Easy?
<p>Leadership looks shiny on social media. But the reality is it’s messy, isolating, and full of self-doubt. Leading Ain’t Easy pulls back the curtain on the side of leadership nobody puts on their résumé.</p><p><br></p><p>Created by <b>Ryan Calkins</b> (Marine Corps veteran, career/leadership coach, and founder of Reframe & Rise) and <b>Erny Epley</b> (public-sector leader and founder of Bus Pro Network), this show dives into the raw, unfiltered truths of leading others; whether it’s in the military, the public sector, or the private world of business.</p><p><br></p><p>We’re not here with corporate buzzwords or textbook definitions. Instead, you’ll hear:</p><ul><li>Honest stories about the challenges and failures that shaped us.</li><li>Real conversations about the doubts and decisions leaders wrestle with every day.</li><li>Lessons, frameworks, and laughs that remind you you’re not alone in the struggle.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Episodes run 45-60 minutes (long enough to go deep, short enough for a commute) and drop weekly. Some weeks it’s just us, other weeks we’ll bring in guests (current and aspiring leaders) to share their own unfiltered journeys.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re cut out for this role, questioned yourself after making a hard call, or felt like a fraud even with the title… this podcast is for you.</p><p><br></p><p>Because leading ain’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Information about guest appearances is not available.
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