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Forging Wellness

Forging Wellness

by Jesse Clark

Education Health & Fitness

Season 2

Why Wellness in the Fire Service Is Still Missing the Mark

Jesse Clark lights a fire under the wellness conversation in the fire service. No fluff, no corporate spin—just honest takes on: 🔥 Why wellness programs fail 🔥 How the culture still punishes vulnerability 🔥 The real cost of ignoring firefighter health 🔥 What’s actually working (and what’s just a checklist) 🔥 Controversial questions you should be asking 🎧 20 minutes of fire. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. #ForgingWellness #CodeRedRants #FirefighterWellness #FirstResponderHealth #LeadershipWithBackbone #MentalHealthInTheFireService

Mike DeMarino - Deemed Fit

In this episode, we sit down with the Mike Demarino of a first responder-owned fitness and wellness company that’s on a mission to rebuild confidence, resilience, and purpose in our fire, EMS, and law enforcement communities. He's seen the toll the job takes—mentally, physically, emotionally. He has lived through the pandemic, riots, and moments when the country seemed at war with itself. And now, he's showing up to lead something new. We talk: 🔥 The real struggles behind the uniform—and how fitness helps fight back 💪 The role of community in rebuilding motivation and resilience 💛 His commitment to giving back through causes like: Tunnel to Towers Elementary school programs Individual departments in need Beyond the Badge NYC 🚓 How YOU can join the mission and train with purpose Whether you’re a first responder or a friend who wants to be part of the solution, this episode will light a fire. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more. ⁠DeemedFit Website⁠ - (for 15% off use code FORGINGWELLNESS208) contact: mike@deemedfit.co #ForgingWellness #FirstResponderFitness #TunnelToTowers #BeyondTheBadgeNYC #FitForDuty #LEOWellness #FirefighterStrength #CommunityDrivenFitness

Dena Ali - Leading with Heart: Firefighter Wellness, HRV, and the Power of Peer Support

Can we build resilience without ignoring the realities of trauma? Can hope truly come out of darkness? In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dena Ali, Battalion Chief, mental health researcher, peer support pioneer, and author of the powerful new book Hope Out of Darkness. Dena shares her journey from firefighter to national mental health advocate, the science behind stress and suicide in the fire service, and why data, compassion, and leadership must work together to change our culture. We dive into: 📖 The story behind her book Hope Out of Darkness 🧠 How trauma rewires our brains—and how we take back control ❤️ Why Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a game-changer for firefighter wellness 🔥 How peer support can work if done right 💡 Real, practical strategies for leaders and firefighters alike 🎧 Plus: firehouse fun questions and her favorite guilty pleasure This episode is deep, inspiring, and a reminder that we're all human under the helmet—and we don't have to carry the weight alone. 🎧 Now available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and more. ⁠Brene Brown⁠ ⁠Deep Survival⁠ - Laurence Gonzales ⁠The Beauty of a Darker Soul⁠ - Joshua Mantz ⁠Hope Out of Darkness⁠ - Dena Ali #ForgingWellness #DenaAli #HopeOutOfDarkness #FirstResponderWellness #HRV #FirefighterMentalHealth #PeerSupportMatters #FireServiceLeadership

Dustin Baisdon - Redemption, fitness and fire service - it's all connected.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dustin Baisdon, a firefighter with Modesto Fire, Engine Ops cadre instructor, peer support team member, and the man behind the department’s Academy Fitness Program. But Dustin’s path wasn’t linear. Before the academy, the turnout gear, and the training drills, Dustin was working in a brewery—until one mistake changed everything. The next day, he quit drinking, walked away from the job, and started over at a local gym. What happened next transformed his life. 💪 From fitness instructor to firefighter 🔥 From “starting over” to leading academy fitness 🚒 From peer support recipient to peer support leader ❤️ From hitting rock bottom to building others up every day This is a story about second chances, being part of a community that believes in you, and the power of showing up—again and again. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and more. #ForgingWellness #RedemptionStory #FirefighterFitness #ModestoFire #PeerSupport #FitnessSavedMe #SecondChances #FireGroundReady

Matt Soule - Stress is not the enemy - our relationship to it is.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt, author of Stronger Through Stress and founder of Cold Club®, to talk about how intentional discomfort can lead to peak performance, resilience, and lasting well-being. With more than 15 years of experience teaching over 10,000 people—including military teams, corporate giants, first responders, and elite athletes—Matt is redefining the way we think about stress. We explore: ❄️ Why cold exposure works—and how to start safely 🧠 The Stress Paradox and what it means for your brain and body 🔥 Why managing stress is outdated—and training it is the future 📈 Data, wearables, and breath: what performance science is teaching us 🥋 How martial arts, biohacking, and mindset converge in Cold Club® Whether you’re a high performer, a burned-out responder, or just trying to get more control back in your life—this episode is your blueprint. 🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. #ForgingWellness #ColdClub #StrongerThroughStress #StressIsFuel #WimHof #Breathwork #FirstResponderWellness #BiohackingPerformance ⁠Cold Club Website⁠ Book - ⁠Stronger Through Stress⁠ ⁠Amazon⁠

Brooke Bartlett

What do trauma, burnout, and awkward firehouse conversations have in common? They're all getting tackled—honestly and hilariously—in this episode with trauma psychologist Dr. Brooke Bartlett, founder of CTAS. You’ve probably heard Brooke on other podcasts, but you’ve never heard her like this. We dive into: 🧠 How trauma rewires your brain (probies, this one’s for you) 🔥 Moral injury vs PTSD—and why it matters 🚩 Peer support red flags (and what good support actually looks like) 🗣️ Tools for hard conversations that don’t suck 🙄 Buzzwords to leave behind in 2024 🤣 Therapist-designed fire stations and burnout personified If you’re a first responder, peer supporter, or leader in the fire service, this episode is insightful, real, and even a little ridiculous—in the best way possible. 🎧 Listen now. Brooke's Website

Lyndsy Kinghorn - Foundation Functional Medicine

🔥 Feeling exhausted, foggy, or stuck in a cycle of burnout—even when you’re doing everything “right”? You’re not alone. In this episode, we sit down with Lyndsy Kinghorn, founder of FOUNDATION and a dual board-certified Family & Anti-Aging Nurse Practitioner, to uncover the hidden reasons high-performers, first responders, and athletes struggle with energy, metabolism, and overall health. Lyndsy shares her own battle with unexplained fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog, how she found answers in Functional Medicine, and why gut health is the foundation of EVERYTHING. We’ll cover: ✅ The most overlooked signs your gut is in trouble ✅ Why hormone imbalances are wrecking your metabolism ✅ How shift workers and athletes can optimize their performance ✅ The 3 biggest mistakes people make when trying to lose weight & gain energy ✅ Simple, sustainable strategies to improve your health TODAY If you’re ready to ditch the quick fixes and play the long health game, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now! Foundation Functional Medicine Website Aubrey Marcus Website #ForgingWellness #FirefighterHealth #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #Longevity #FirstResponderFitness

Dr. Michael Sapiro

🚨 The ones who run toward the danger deserve more than “thoughts and prayers.” They deserve real, culturally competent care. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, a Zen Buddhist monk, clinical psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, and fierce advocate for First Responders. From ride-alongs and on-scene support to department consultations, trauma debriefings, and powerful healing retreats, Dr. Mike shows up where it matters. You’ll learn: ✅ Why First Responders need care designed for them, by someone who understands them ✅ How ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is being used to treat trauma and burnout ✅ The role of meditation in regulating adrenaline, improving sleep, and staying focused under stress ✅ How retreats (with breathwork, cold soaks, deep sharing, and laughter) create space for transformation ✅ How to prepare for retirement, heal from departmental BS, and show up present at home again Plus: A sneak peek into his upcoming book, Truth Medicine, and a few hilarious moments about “jackhammer nervous systems,” cuddles, and cops venting like champs. 🎧 This one is personal, powerful, and absolutely necessary. Tune in now. #ForgingWellness #TruthMedicine #DrMikeSapiro #FirstResponderHealing #FirefighterMentalHealth #PsychedelicTherapy #ZenAndTrauma #MindfulResponder #MentalHealthMatters https://www.michaelsapiro.com/

Griffin Coiner - Stache Salt

🔥 What happens when you walk away from your dream job to follow a calling that doesn’t make sense to anyone but you? In this episode, we sit down with Griffin Coiner, founder of ‘Stache Salt and firefighter in Utah. Griffin shares his powerful journey from working as a firefighter for one of the largest departments in Texas to leaving it all behind to travel the country in a camper with his family. Griffin talks about: ✅ Starting ‘Stache Salt from a “mad scientist experiment gone well” to a full men’s grooming company. ✅ How faith and purpose drove him to make the hardest decision of his life. ✅ The challenges of running a business on the road and keeping the mission alive. ✅ Reentering the fire service with a new perspective and drive. ✅ Building something bigger than himself—giving back to first responders and their families. If you’ve ever felt stuck between comfort and calling, this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now! #ForgingWellness #FirefighterJourney #FaithAndPurpose #StacheSalt #FireServiceLeadership #FollowYourCalling ⁠Dream Giver⁠ - Bruce Wilkinson ⁠https://stachesalt.com/⁠ - For discount use code: Forging10 ⁠https://www.facebook.com/stachesalt/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/stache.salt/⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/stachesalt/⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@stache_salt⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGa9Q_Fs1eYuWwpqUOsvwQ⁠

Brian Yonkin

🔥 Firehouse meals aren’t just about food—they’re about family, trust, and tradition. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Yonkin, Tower 1 Lieutenant at the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire, husband, father of four, and author of Beginner’s Guide to Firehouse Kitchens. Brian shares his best firehouse cooking tips, the importance of the kitchen in station culture, and how food helps build stronger teams, better leadership, and unforgettable memories. We also talk about his life balancing the fire service, family, fitness, MMA, and hunting, plus his best advice for rookie firefighters who’ve never cooked before. This one’s a must-listen for anyone in the fire service—or anyone who loves a great meal and a good story. 🎧 Available now! #ForgingWellness #FirefighterTraining #FirehouseKitchens #FireServiceLeadership #FirefighterBrotherhood

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