In this episode of the Crisis Lab Podcast, host Kyle King interviews Quin Lucie, a legal expert and former FEMA official with deep experience in national security and emergency management. Together, they explore the often-overlooked origins of FEMA. Quin reveals the agency’s roots in wartime mobilization and civil defense, offering a stark contrast to its modern disaster relief role. They examine how historical frameworks could inform today’s response to complex crises—ranging from pandemics to geopolitical threats. This episode is a deep dive into FEMA’s evolving mission, the intersection of policy and preparedness, and whether the U.S. needs to rethink its emergency management architecture.

Show Highlights:

[01:07] FEMA's wartime mobilization roots

[02:21] Quin Lucie's insights on FEMA's history

[11:17] FEMA's transition to disaster relief

[17:03] The modern FEMA and its challenges

[25:13] The future of FEMA: emergency management vs. disaster relief

[36:06] Policy implications and the path forward for FEMA

Connect with Quin Lucie

-Linkedin