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.
Leading Ain't Easy
Episode 3 - Loneliness at the Top
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
No one really tells you how lonely leadership can get, especially the higher you climb.
In this episode, Ryan and Erny talk candidly about the isolation that comes with being the one everyone turns to. The pressure, the silence, the responsibility you can’t unload on your team, and the shrinking safety net as you move up.
They discuss:
• Why support turns into “context,” not coverage
• The truth behind “that’s why you get paid the big bucks”
• Taking the blame when the public or leadership is angry
• Holding your team accountable without favoritism
• Being the buffer (even when you’re struggling yourself)
• When past toxic workplaces follow you into new roles
If you’ve ever felt like leadership puts you on an island (with or without the title), this conversation will feel real and grounding. You’re not the only one feeling the weight, even if it seems like you’re the only one carrying it.
Leading Ain’t Easy, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Leading Ain't Easy was created by Ryan Calkins and Erny Epley, and is hosted by Ryan and John Moore.
- Ryan is the founder of Reframe & Rise, where he works with veterans who transitioned successfully but still feel something's off; helping them find alignment, not just a better job title.
- John is a certified life and career coach with 20+ years of experience helping people navigate transitions, find purpose, and lead with intention — drawing on backgrounds in corporate leadership, counseling, and entrepreneurship.
- Erny runs Bus Pro Network, supporting school transportation leaders across California with training and development, and joins the show as an occasional guest.
Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for clips, prompts, and behind-the-scenes updates.
If this episode resonated, please leave a review as it helps more leaders find us.
