Culture, Anxiety, & Toxicity in the Fire Servicewith Mike GoldsteinSeptember 11, 2026 | 9AM-11AM
Participants will learn to identify both overt and subtle forms of toxic behavior, as well as understand how these environments impact not only morale but operational effectiveness and mental health. The presentation emphasizes that toxicity is not just a “person problem” it’s often a cultural problem, reinforced over time by silence, fear of retaliation, or the misguided belief that “this is just how it’s always been.”
Through candid storytelling and practical insight, this presentation breaks down how performance anxiety develops, how it presents itself in both fireground and station environments, and how it can silently erode confidence, decision-making, and leadership ability. Attendees will gain an understanding of how anxiety doesn’t equate to weakness—it often indicates someone who deeply cares about doing the job well. However, without the right tools and support, that same drive can become destructive.
Mike Goldstein is a firefighter, instructor, speaker, and host of The CAN Report podcast. With more than 20 years of experience in emergency services, Mike began his first responder career as a dispatcher before transitioning into the fire service, where he has served for the past 14 years in both call and career firefighting roles.
As the founder and host of The CAN Report, a firefighter-focused podcast based in New Hampshire, Mike has built a platform dedicated to sharing the stories, experiences, and lessons learned from first responders across the fire service and beyond. What began as a passion project has grown into a respected outlet for meaningful conversations surrounding leadership, culture, resilience, mental health, training, and the traditions that define the profession. Through The CAN Report, Mike strives to highlight both the successes and struggles of those who serve, creating opportunities for learning, reflection, and growth throughout the emergency services community.
Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including order confirmations, updates, event reminders, and event information. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.
Add Purchase Protection for a small fee and get a 100% refund of your registration purchase should you be prevented from attending due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. (Full Terms)
Why protect your registration purchase? Purchase Protection covers:
Purchase Protection covers many common unforeseen circumstances, but exclusions apply. View full List of qualifying circumstances and exclusions.
* Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Not available for or applicable to events, attendees, or travel outside of the USA. Purchase Protection is a service offered by Purchase Protection LLC. Purchase Protection is not an insurance policy. It is a service that will refund you 100% of your event fees, taxes and dues should you be prevented by unforeseen circumstances from attending the event. Purchase Protection does not apply to, and will not reimburse, charitable donations. Purchase Protection fees will be charged as a separate transaction. Any changes made to your purchase will not change the amount covered in this agreement.
Read Full Terms and Conditions
