Leadership Starts at the Table: Mental Health, Crew Culture, and the First Responder Journey

In this episode of Kitchen Table Talk, Michael Long and Nick Robben sit down for a candid conversation about what it really means to lead in the fire service—long before the promotion, long before the badge, and long before you’re officially “in charge.”

The guys reflect on their early episodes, the surprising experience of listening back to their own stories, and how much growth comes from simply talking openly about mental health. They dive into the importance of informal leadership, the responsibility every firefighter carries, and how mental health readiness is just as essential as physical training.

Michael and Nick also explore how communication, vulnerability, and checking in after difficult calls can change an entire crew’s culture—for the better. From navigating home life to supporting each other in the station, this episode highlights how breaking the stigma starts one honest conversation at a time.

Pull up a chair and join us at the table. These are the conversations that strengthen crews, save careers, and remind every first responder that it’s okay to not be okay.