Leading Ain't Easy

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.

Hosted by Ryan Calkins (Marine Corps veteran, career/leadership coach, and founder of Reframe & Rise) and Erny Epley (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.

We’re not here with corporate buzzwords or textbook definitions. Instead, you’ll hear:

Honest stories about the challenges and failures that shaped us.
Real conversations about the doubts and decisions leaders wrestle with every day.
Lessons, frameworks, and laughs that remind you you’re not alone in the struggle.

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.

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.

Because leading ain’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Contributors

Co-host

John Moore

I'm John Moore; co-host of Leading Ain't Easy., as well as a Certified Life Coach and Counseling Practitioner with over 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s transitions, find their purpose, and achieve their goals. His expertise spans life, career, relationship, and spiritual coaching, as well as trauma-informed support and stress management. Drawing from his rich background (including roles as a corporate professional, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur), John combines deep compassion with actionable strategies to empower people to transform their lives and realize their full potential.

Co-host

Ryan Calkins

I’m Ryan Calkins; Marine Corps veteran, career-alignment coach, and creator and co-host of Leading Ain’t Easy. I’ve spent two decades leading teams across the military and civilian world, learning firsthand that leadership is rarely glamorous and almost never simple. Today, through my coaching practice, Reframe & Rise, I help for veterans 2-10 years post-transition rebuild confidence, realign with purpose, and lead with character. On this podcast, I bring the same honesty, vulnerability, and real-world experience that shaped me.

https://www.reframerise.com

Producer

Erny Epley

I’m Erny Epley; public-sector leader, lifelong learner, and co-creator of Leading Ain’t Easy. My leadership journey has been shaped by hard lessons, honest conversations, and the reality that people don’t follow titles, they follow trust. I care deeply about developing people, owning mistakes, and doing the right thing even when it’s uncomfortable. This podcast is a space for real talk about leadership; the kind you can feel, not just read about in a handbook.