Ep. 95: Mike Dugan, Captain (ret.) - It's Your Turn

About this episode

Mike Dugan shares insights on leadership and mental health from his extensive experience in the fire service.

A powerful conversation with Mike Dugan, a 27-year veteran of the FDNY and retired Captain of Ladder Company 123, whose fire service journey spans nearly five decades. A recipient of the prestigious FDIC International Tommy Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award, Mike brings unmatched perspective on what leadership truly looks like—both in the firehouse and on the fireground. In this episode, he challenges the traditional mindset with a simple but impactful truth: everyone is a leader . From promoting yourself and investing in others, to the often-overlooked skill of truly listening, Mike delivers candid insights that resonate across all ranks. He also tackles the critical conversation around mental health in the fire service, reinforcing that seeking help isn’t weakness—it’s survival. Because sometimes, talking to someone can save your marriage, your career, and even your life.

People in this episode

Host: Berlin Maza

Guest: Mike Dugan

Topics covered

• leadership
• fire service
• mental health
• listening skills
• personal development

Keywords

• leadership
• firefighter
• mental health
• listening
• career development
• FDNY
• Tommy Brennan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FDNY, FDIC International

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• Ep. 97: Jim Whitney, Deputy Fire Chief - Lead Where You Stand · May 18, 2026 · 1h 26m
• Ep. 96: Trisha Wolford, Fire Chief - Perspective & Gratitude · April 12, 2026 · 1h 12m
• Ep. 94: Chuck DeSmith, Deputy Fire Chief (ret.) - Resiliency & Peer Support · March 17, 2026 · 1h 29m
• Ep. 93: Paul Conway, Assistant Chief (ret.) - A Life Full of Mistakes · February 23, 2026 · 1h 21m
• Ep. 92: Mike Gagliano, Captain (ret.) - Remember Your Mission · February 13, 2026 · 1h 19m