Forging Wellness

Jesse Clark

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!

Episodes

  1. Why Wellness in the Fire Service Is Still Missing the Mark

    08/06/2025

    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

    20 min
  2. Mike DeMarino - Deemed Fit

    07/04/2025

    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 TowersElementary school programsIndividual departments in needBeyond the Badge NYC 🚓 How YOU can join the mission and train with purposeWhether 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

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

    05/23/2025

    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

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

    05/17/2025

    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 Book - ⁠Stronger Through Stress⁠ ⁠Amazon⁠

    52 min
  5. Brooke Bartlett

    04/30/2025

    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

    59 min
  6. Dr. Michael Sapiro

    04/04/2025

    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/

    35 min
  7. Brian Yonkin

    03/21/2025

    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

    51 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Jesse Clark
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jesse Clark
  • Show Website
    Forging Wellness