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