Forging Wellness

About Forging Wellness

The Forging Wellness Podcast is where health meets resilience, and personal growth is the ultimate mission. Hosted by Jesse Clark, a firefighter, coach, and lifelong student of wellness, this podcast dives deep into the essentials of mental and physical health, nutrition, fitness, sleep, training, leadership, history, competence, and real-world events. Expect real conversations, expert insights, and practical takeaways to help you build strength in every area of life—because wellness isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving. 🔥 Subscribe now, and start forging your path to better health, leadership, and performance. 🔥 💡 Support the podcast! If you find value in our content, consider donating to keep this mission alive. Every bit helps us bring more impactful episodes your way. 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @forgingwellness208 🎥 Watch on YouTube: @ForgingWellness208 🎧 Available on all podcast platforms!

Publisher

Jesse Clark

Category

education · health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Mar 2025

Latest episode

6 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Aug 2025

   Why Wellness in the Fire Service Is Still Missing the Mark

   Jesse Clark examines the shortcomings of current wellness programs in the fire service, highlighting cultural barriers and the true consequences of neglecting firefighter well-being.

2. 

   4 Jul 2025

   Mike DeMarino - Deemed Fit

   Mike DeMarino discusses how his first responder-owned fitness company rebuilds confidence and resilience in fire, EMS, and law enforcement communities, offering insights into overcoming the struggles behind the uniform in this interview.

3. 

   2 Jun 2025

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

   Battalion Chief Dena Ali discusses her journey advocating for firefighter mental health, the impact of trauma, and the importance of peer support, in this interview.

4. 

   23 May 2025

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

   Firefighter Dustin Baisdon recounts his journey from a brewery to the fire service, highlighting how fitness and community support fueled his personal redemption and leadership in academy fitness, in this interview.

5. 

   17 May 2025

   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 (https://www.coldclub.com/) Book - ⁠Stronger Through Stress⁠ (https://www.coldclub.com/product-page/stronger-through-stress-ebook) ⁠Amazon⁠ (https://www.amazon.com/Stronger-Through-Stress-Mastering-Performance/dp/1736296981/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26LCA3NU6CXFF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Qm5vhWRW1uypCBK2yRSUw8etE3qzxkGF6j2Q2JdY32LXKaijDXpMP2oTzGg5IrAyvqDCDdP-Oo1ioB3WSudRkwlqO698-nd1kVcBTk6IHZizRJ2LugiyyUnfYqAIIbwUiNm1eapKkSZNrWn9EowxcnWvksLKf6rslgyHMJBXmsGqx1l7plQD05a2l3_T7u1hXv6A8FHiAEuDGXqwfn9AJ-ZqH330EQij5UhKsSwbOr0.PhWskRRNBzW7dcFt2CXWSl79lG7X2PThcIgbWoVaVR8&dib_tag=se&keywords=stronger+through+stress&qid=1747450184&sprefix=stronger+through+stress%2Caps%2C285&sr=8-1)

6. 

   30 Apr 2025

   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 (https://www.centertas.com/about)

7. 

   16 Apr 2025

   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 (https://foundationfunctionalmedicine.com/) Aubrey Marcus Website (https://www.aubreymarcus.com/) #ForgingWellness #FirefighterHealth #FunctionalMedicine #GutHealth #Longevity #FirstResponderFitness

8. 

   4 Apr 2025

   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/ (https://www.michaelsapiro.com/)

9. 

   31 Mar 2025

   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 (https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Giver-Bruce-Wilkinson/dp/159052201X/ref=asc_df_159052201X?mcid=3638868504f4303fb0e2aaaa54aa48b5&hvocijid=4937789987763192855-159052201X-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4937789987763192855&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016191&hvtargid=pla-2281435175938&psc=1) - Bruce Wilkinson ⁠ (https://stachesalt.com/)https://stachesalt.com/⁠ - For discount use code: Forging10 (https://stachesalt.com/⁠) ⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/stachesalt/)https://www.facebook.com/stachesalt/⁠ (https://www.facebook.com/stachesalt/⁠) ⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stache.salt/)https://www.instagram.com/stache.salt/⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/stache.salt/⁠) ⁠ (https://www.pinterest.com/stachesalt/)https://www.pinterest.com/stachesalt/⁠ (https://www.pinterest.com/stachesalt/⁠) ⁠ (https://www.tiktok.com/@stache_salt)https://www.tiktok.com/@stache_salt⁠ (https://www.tiktok.com/@stache_salt⁠) ⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGa9Q_Fs1eYuWwpqUOsvwQ)https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGa9Q_Fs1eYuWwpqUOsvwQ⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgGa9Q_Fs1eYuWwpqUOsvwQ⁠)

10. 

    21 Mar 2025

    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

11. 

    8 Mar 2025

    Priority Fire Training

    In this episode, we’re diving into elite firefighter training with Noah Katz from Priority Fire Training! 🚒💥 Priority Fire Training isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about building real, functional skills that save lives. Noah breaks down what it takes to perform under pressure, the most overlooked fireground skills, and why their motto, "Pacta Sunt Servanda – Agreements Must Be Kept," is the foundation of everything they do. We’re talking: 🔥 Search & rescue tactics that actually work 🔥 Why knowing "why" is more important than just "how" 🔥 Shifting fire department culture to train for performance, not just compliance Whether you're a rookie firefighter or a seasoned vet, this episode will challenge the way you think about training. Don’t miss it! 🚀 Check them out on Instagram - @priorityfiretraining or email them at ⁠ (info@priorityfiretraining.com)info@priorityfiretraining.com (mailto:info@priorityfiretraining.com)⁠ (info@priorityfiretraining.com).

Who has been a guest on Forging Wellness

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jesse Clark
• Mike DeMarino
• Dena Ali
• Dustin Baisdon

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 4 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

8

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Forging Wellness

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.