HC0038 - MEET THE GUYS Featuring: Mike Manaco

In this episode of the Hazard Class Podcast, Jake sits down with Mike Monaco—co-founder of The Hazmat Guys, retired FDNY Hazmat One specialist, and one of the leading hazmat instructors in the world. From growing up in Texas and ballet studios to battling dyslexia, his experience during 9/11, and building a global hazmat education platform, Mike shares his remarkable story. Along the way, we dive into personal quirks, firehouse culture, hazmat training, and the unexpected path that led to starting one of the most impactful hazmat podcasts out there.

This conversation is equal parts funny, raw, and inspiring—and yes, it begins with a 10-minute debate on the “right way” to wipe.

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

[0:00] – Welcome & Introduction

• Host sets the stage: why this show is about the people behind the uniform.
• Introduction of guest Mike Monaco and his reputation as a brilliant instructor, terrible speller, and all-around great guy.

[4:15] – The Wheel of Stupid Questions (Bathroom Debate)

• Standing vs. sitting: the age-old wiping debate.
• Cultural shame, bidets, and why “rub, squirt, rub” might just be the ultimate method.
• A lighthearted (and hilarious) start that reveals Mike’s humor.

[14:00] – Mike’s Early Life & Background

• Growing up in Tomball, Texas before moving to New York.
• German roots, Italian family culture, and a childhood spent in ballet studios.
• His mother’s career as a ballet dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.
• Battling dyslexia, ADHD, and defiance disorder in school.
• How Catholic school and a switch in majors got him through education.

[28:45] – College, 9/11, and the FDNY Path

• Studying chemistry, physics, and ultimately biology/neurophysiology at Stony Brook.
• Volunteering in the fire service during college.
• His 9/11 experience as part of Northern Brookhaven Tactical Rescue, working at Ground Zero for a week.
• Joining the FDNY less than a year later (July 2002).

[40:30] – Hazmat One: Baptism by Fire

• Transitioning from Engine 233 in Brooklyn to Hazmat One.
• The house culture post-9/11 and tensions between Hazmat and Squad 288.
• The grueling spin-up process: 1,500+ hours of training and equipment sign-offs.
• Why hazmat techs often know more than incident commanders—and the responsibility that carries.

[55:10] – Teaching, Learning, and the Origin of The Hazmat Guys

• Why teaching is the best way to learn in hazmat.
• How Bobby pitched the idea of a hazmat podcast.
• The first “atrocious” recordings in the dining room.
• Turning real-world calls into podcast episodes.
• When they realized people were actually listening—and recognizing them at conferences.

[1:08:30] – Growing Beyond the Podcast

• Moving from podcast to training and conference teaching.
• Building a global hazmat education brand.
• Balancing passion for firefighting with the career opportunities hazmat provided.

[1:19:00] – The Future: Training, Conferences, and Games

• Plans for The Hazmat Guys: podcasting, training, books, and the new Hazmat board game.
• Preview of the upcoming Southernmost Hazmat Conference in Key West.
• How they’re rethinking conferences to integrate vendors, hands-on training, and student engagement.

[1:30:00] – Closing Reflections

• Mike’s pride in building something bigger than himself.
• Host and guest share laughs about ballet, dyslexia, and life lessons.